Yellow Year

Oxford United 3 York City 1

2010-05-17T10:42:00.002+01:00

The end of a long season, and an even longer 4 year period amongst the non-league world.

When I started this blog I dared to hope it would end with winning the league, and for a long time it seemed that was destined to be. But Stevenage proved stronger and the play off lottery loomed.

Avoiding Luton in the semis, York beating them and Wilder getting the team just right for the last 3 games all contributed to Promotion yesterday.

The game was the proverbial roller coaster, 2 goals up in 20 minutes and York rarely threatened - it all looked too easy. But Clarke made a very rare error - unchallenged the wet ball slipped from his hands and rolled into the net - and this made the second half very very tense, and the longer it went and the deeper Oxford sat the more nervous we got.

But Wilder got it right again, bringing on the two small quick subs Potter and Deering with the aim of punishing York while they pushed forward - and the tension evaporated when they combined to seal promotion with a cool move and a clinical finish from Potter - a goal he deserved.

And that, as they say dear reader, was that. The end to a great day and a deserved vistory.

Nothing more to add - League 2 beckons with its glamour fixtures Bury, Hereford, Lincoln ... and we wouldn't swap it for anything - apart from League 1 - but that's for another day.

Come on you Yellows ...

2010-05-16T09:48:00.000+01:00

... right, this is it.

We do ..

2010-05-13T15:25:00.001+01:00

we really do ...

Oxford United 2 Rushden & Diamonds 0

2010-05-04T21:44:00.001+01:00

good day - by any measure, progress. A good crowd, a win - a deserved win, and the best feeling since 4th May 1996 and that 4-0 win over Peterborough sealing promotion to Division One.

A tense first half, R & D didn't look like scoring, and 3 up front for Oxford struggled to break through.

But Green's goal and more importantly Beano's second within minutes knocked all the stuffing out of Rushden & Diamonds and despite a few scares after that it was all over.

An Oxford ground with nearly 12,000 in it is a sight to behold; and so to Wembley - one game away.

Enough words ..

Before

Beer

Ready

During

Come on

Nearly there

Final whistle

Mayhem

Next stop Wembley

Rushden & Diamonds 1 Oxford United 1

2010-04-30T08:27:00.000+01:00

Well - I decided to forfeit the trip to Nene Park mainly for my sanity, instead spending the first half at The Fishes and the second half watching on the tiny version of the Internet that lives in my phone. Anyway it is now all set for a cracking game on Monday, in standard football cliche terms, we would have all taken a draw before the game.

In many ways it makes the second leg very simple, there is no risk of trying to play defensively to protect a lead like last time, just got to go out and win (I assume it is the same as last time and away goals make no difference in Conference play offs - a draw leads to Extra Time).

In the mean time I shall continue to wear the lucky wrist band for it has magical powers and will ensure progress to the final and ultimate victory.

Until Monday dear reader.

Eastbourne Borough 1 Oxford United 0

2010-04-24T17:08:00.000+01:00

So ending with a whimper not a bang but it makes no real difference and playing a different squad takes some pressure off as there is an excuse that it is not the strongest 11 starting.

Ended with 86 points, 1 more than a prediction I made here, not a very brave prediction.

So to the play offs, Rushden & Diamonds will be tough opposition, 4 points from our league meetings and the draw with Luton today shows they have the strength. I'm glad to avoid York, had a bad feeling about them - and although all the money will be on Luton getting to the final they will have a tough job getting past York.

Oxford United 1 Wrexham 0

2010-04-21T08:25:00.003+01:00

Ongoing flight issues, ash related, meant I made the last home league game of the season. Another cold windy "spring" evening at the Kassam.
Wilder started with an odd selection, resting a number of key players, and playing in a formation which was either 4 3 3, 4 5 1 or 4 4 2 depending who you spoke to.

Turley
Sandwith Wright Day Batt
Potter Deering Chapman Chalmers
Green Midson

Potter seemed to partner Midson more than Green and Deering played more centrally than on the wing.

The team struggled to gel in the first half and there was not recognisable game plan, made a few chances and were rarely threatened.

Second half I thought was an improvement, showing some patience, building from the back if needed and then getting the ball in the box.

The ball just wouldn't stick to Midson, and runs from Deering and Potter petered out with neither looking keen to take a shot.

Finally a lofted ball from the right cleared the Wrexham defence and was headed down by Sandwith at the far post, bouncing gracefully over the keeper and into the net seemingly in slow motion.

Possible - 89
Target - 88 (nonsense with 1 game left, but maths is maths)
Form - 88

So you'll be subjected to at least two more posts, lets hope it is 3 and ends well.

Oxford United 2 Mansfield Town 0

2010-04-20T17:19:00.003+01:00

Missed the game, sister's 50th, good result.

Possible - 89
Target - 87
Form - 86

Oxford United 0 Cambridge United 0

2010-04-15T20:34:00.000+01:00

The Kassam micro-climate was in force tonight, an arctic wind blowing and a disappointing performance and result. The first half was OK but the chances made were not converted and beating the offside trap seemed too much of a challenge. The second half was poor and lacked any real vigour, Cambridge were surprisingly average for a team that made the play off finals last year.

After the game top spot was still possible but with the Stevenage win since even that slim chance has evaporated, even I didn't think it would really happen.

Possible 89
Target 86
Form 84

What else to add - lets hope we can make a better job of the play offs than last time.

PS - lets see how long I stay awake watching the leader's debate.

Altrincham 0 Oxford United 1

2010-04-10T19:42:00.000+01:00

With results during the week the Yellows were at least guaranteed a play off spot before this game. Whiling away a sunny weekend in Devon this score on t'internet was well received and the start of a run, we hope.

With a total possible total of 91, automatic promotion is not yet ruled out, unlikely as Stevenage keep winning but good to see Luton drop some points - any sign of weakness in the top 5 is to be welcomed.

Possible - 91
Target - 87
Form - 85

A win on Tuesday evening would be very very welcome and make the tentative date in my diary for the 16th May a little firmer, wishful thinking.

Oxford United 1 Salisbury City 0

2010-04-10T19:34:00.000+01:00

Rather slack in filing this post, but a frustrating first half followed by an encouraging second half led to some change of form for Oxford and, I assume, a rare headed Potter goal.

Not much more to add really;

Possible - 91
Target - 86
Form - 83 (yuk)

Hayes & Yeading United 2 Oxford United 1

2010-04-02T17:12:00.001+01:00

This is the team that shipped 8 last week, a good in form side even with ten men would have managed to keep a 1 - 0 lead. Nothing good about this Friday - and so on .. Church Road .. we should have ........ them.

Humbug.

Possible - 91

Target - 85

Form - 81

Somehow it feels worse to start well in the season and fall away than improve after a poor start, like last year. These last 6 (hopefully 9) games are a test for Wilder who does not seem to be able to lift the side or make best use of the players he has fit.

Stevenage Borough 1 Oxford United 0

2010-04-02T10:19:00.000+01:00

Well - internet radio was not enough to lift this game, sounded like we lacked enough craft to break them down so the odd penalty was enough for the Borough.

Other results continued to conspire against the Us and we wobbled back into 3rd. Although I have not given up hope completely of a stunning end to the season and securing the Championship on the last day, I have started checking the play off dates.

There are however 7 games to go and 21 points to play for, the pressure is all on Luton and Stevenage to keep winning - we dearly need a win against Hayes & Yeading to get things moving, it feels like I've been saying that for the last 4 or 5 games.

Possible - 94
Target - 87
Form - 83

Northern colleague made the point about a season's worth of performance;

"Frustratingly we've managed promotion form EVERY year in the BSP - but only for half a season: autumn 2006, spring 2008, spring 2009 and autumn 2009. Unfortunately each time the other half has been more-or-less relegation form. Even average form for the weaker half of any of those seasons might have done it."

This is a hard league from which to escape.

Oxford United 2 Gateshead 1

2010-03-27T17:05:00.000Z

Well - another nail biting afternoon listening on the Internet to the BBC Oxford commentary, heart sinks when Gateshead equalise so quickly then again when Grant came on - but I guess it worked. Caused enough confusion in the box to scramble the late second.

Stevenage still the form side and another good result today, but I feel all the pressure is on them on Tuesday and Oxford have nothing to lose - we shall see.

Luton 8 Hayes & Yeading 0 - what was going on at that game? Hopefully they'll show Oxford the same charity but with Basham back with that Oxford old boy knack of scoring you never know.

So that stats:

Max points: 97
Target points: 89
Form points: 85

A crucial win to break a run of 5 without a win, I'll be glued to the internet (how?) again on Tuesday.

Rusden & Diamonds 1 Oxford United 1

2010-03-25T14:40:00.000Z

OK - so this is from our correspondent - he has strong veiws, he was there and I was not - read on.

Total Possible           97
Total Target              88
Total Form               82

My prediction - 85, play off place.

"This was an awful game between two extremely poor sides. If I hadn't seen the table, I'd have thought it was a game between two teams who were already relegated. Yes, it was that bad. I thought Rushden were the worst side we've played this season with the possible exception of Chester. How they are where they are I've no idea (but then a neutral would have said the same about us).

It didn't help that CW decided we should play with 10 players. There was a bloke wandering around in a no. 23 shirt but he can't have been one of the players since he had clearly never met any of the rest of the team, and he spent the entire game trying to avoid going anywhere near the ball. On the odd occasion that he was unfortunate enough to have no alternative but to touch the ball, he had no idea what to do other than to fall over. To say he carried less goal threat than Garry Smart does the Wizard of Wokingham a disservice. I gave John Grant the benefit of the doubt when he was dreadful at Cambridge, as it was his first game, but last night he was actually worse than useless. We would have been better off without him, as at least then he wouldn't have got in the way of other players. If he ever pulls on a yellow shirt again, I hope it is of the high-visibility type, perhaps collecting trolleys at Asda.

Apart from that and the dreadful traffic on the M25, M1 and A509 it was a great evening...

Clist was okay, and Beano looked reasonably sharp. Deering took his goal well and should have played from the start. Clark's kicking was terrible. There was a lot of miscommunication at the back, particularly between Batt and Day, and Wright tried to play too much football for a centre half. You could see that the players are frustrated as there was a lot of moaning and finger pointing. Jefferson Louis was his expected donkey-like self, fortunately.

If Rushden can beat Gateshead 8-0 then the Abroath v Bon Accord record is in the bag this Saturday."

Well there you have it, however 6 points from the next two really would change things.

Tamworth 0 Oxford United 0

2010-03-25T14:34:00.001Z

Hmm - not much help from upstairs then - slumped to 3rd.

Total Possible 99
Total Target 89
Total Form 83

Ho hum.

Oxford United 1 Kettering Town 1

2010-03-14T09:37:00.002Z

Max - 101
Target - 90
Form - 84

Stating the obvious but current form is not going to cut it for automatic promotion. The game was a frustrating affair without a clear leader on the pitch, woeful waste of dead ball situations and too many nearly there performances. Earlier in the season any 11 with Murray and Beano in it seemed unable to lose - they were sorely missed in this game.

Still hopeful but with the next 2 away games a real test of metal - can Wilder turn them round? Will Tamworth prove tricky as the team spend the morning at Sunday School (why Sunday? Anyone?).

Are Stevenage likely to wobble towards the end of the season - another 5 goals yesterday in their demolition of Kiddie in the cup can't hurt their confidence - beating them at the end of March away - too much to hope for?

Highlight of the day - getting the 106 back to town - and I mean that.

Oxford United 1 Hayes & Yeading United 2

2010-03-10T07:53:00.002Z

Well 2 old Oxford boys really sticking the knife in tonight, 2 from Bash and a hat-trick from Yemi not only puts Stevenage back on top, gives them a better goal difference by 10 goals but continues relatively poor form for the Yellows - 1.5 points a game for the second half of the season. Saturday's game against Kettering (who are on a 5 game unbeaten run) is now the proverbial "must win".

I failed to get to the game so can't report on the details, to the casual observer a continued lack of ability to convert pressure into goals (against 10 men for most of the second half) speaks volumes.

So - back to the stats - I'll be putting a range of predicted end points in the posts from now on - max points to be gained, target points (my wishful thinking at 2 points per game average) and form points - i.e. if form since half way continues at the same rate where will we end up.

Before last night:
Max - 106 (promotion certain)
Target - 93 (good chance of promotion)
Form - 89 (got to be a good total)

After last night:
Max - 103 (promotion still certain)
Target - 91 (good total, but makes me nervous)
Form - 85 (nasty)

Recall this previous post on totals that led to promotion - from 86 to 101 points, the next dozen games will define the season.

Cambridge United 1 Oxford United 1

2010-03-03T16:18:00.000Z

Well a win would have helped, and we certainly need to pick up some of the magic goal scoring dust that Stevenage have. I caught the end of the game on the radio and as they said "glad of a point at the end".

No game Saturday, lets see if Crawley can do us a favour and beat Stevenage - it is all getting rather tense.

Oxford United 2 AFC Wimbledon 0

2010-02-25T21:59:00.002Z

The joys of listening on the Internet again, couldn't be there - to quote;

"Came for the ball like superman"

"Out of the gun like a speeding bullet"

"He's pulled the trigger, Nick"

"We could be 3 nil up" - the story of a season so far, really need to convert these.

"You can't jump, stand still and keep moving, all at the same time"

And at the end of all that a great result, and eye witness reports from those present suggest a good attitude and a desire to win.

The FA Trophy "Run"

2010-02-20T16:55:00.000Z

Er - I know little of the FA Trophy, does it involve a trip to Wembley? Anyway, here's the run as far as it goes.

First Round Proper 12/12/09
Oxford United 1 Hayes & Yeading United 0
Midson scores, another penalty miss, 1,600 or so in attendance, no idea when the next round is.

Second Round 19/01/10
Oxford United 1 Woking 0
Matt Green scores, good recovery from losing to Tamworth. Chelmsford next on the 30th which means another fixture change, Wrexham dates to be decided.

Third Round 30/01/10
Chelmsford City 1 Oxford United 3
Francis Green gets 1 and Midson 2 - Kidderminster Harriers in the next round on Feb 20th.

Fourth Round 20/02/10
Oxford United 1 Kidderminster Harriers 2

End of run.

Oxford United 1 Rushden & Diamonds 0

2010-02-17T10:06:00.000Z

Unable to make this one and sorry to miss a great result, sounds like Beano is still having penalty issues but it also sounds like a charitable ref granted a second chance and Chapman blasted it in.

The last two results (if not the perfomances) have eased the pressure slighly - and with York and Luton drawing the Us now head the table by 3 points with a game in hand.

Oxford United 2 Histon 0

2010-02-17T09:56:00.000Z

Luckily for United Histon contrived to make enough mistakes to allow a victory, one a direct free kick which eluded strikers, defenders and goalkeeper - a sort of slow motion goal; the other "after you" incident involving two defenders on which Midson and Green capitalised.

After Histon were reduced to ten men - at first I thought this was for a foul as last man, but apparently he was rude to the ref or linesman and got a red for that - Oxford still seemed to find it difficult to score and I forgot there were only 10 Histon players for large parts of the game.

Anyway a crucial win to try to get the 2010 part of the season moving in the right direction - and more improtantly a win that capitalised on Stevenage's loss - bonus.

Luton Town 2 Oxford United 1

2010-02-10T11:28:00.002Z

Nothing to say here - the next couple of months are going to be bumpy by the looks of it.

Oxford United 0 Kidderminster Harriers 0

2010-02-07T08:46:00.001Z

A point, but a missed opportunity again - the form in front of goal seems to have deserted Oxford at home, good chances for a number of players, the best falling to Midson who planted it straight at the keeper. At the other end Clarke kept the yellows in it several times thankfully. Other results went OK to put us back on top but we really need 6 points from the 2 games in hand to build up a nice cushion again.

Luton away then 3 home games - a real chance to get ahead.

Nice to see Hargreaves back and he calmed things for the last minutes of the game.

Overall - could have been worse, but really wished for better.

Grays Athletic 0 Oxford United 4

2010-01-23T18:38:00.004Z

Result - whilst it would have been very satisfying to go top again, this result is most welcome and emphatic. Really pleased to see Alfie on the score sheet, and 3 others to give the team some real confidence. I didn't follow the game but caught the result via the magic of mobile t'internet again - this game was the proverbial banana skin, a poor result away to a side that could have made things difficult would have worried me - so 4 - 0 is top.

Anatomy, Elegy, Athletic - any others?

Is this our season?

Oxford United 0 Tamworth 1

2010-01-17T09:42:00.003Z

Well the new year started badly as Oxford were in poor form and met a Tamworth side that were organised and had the edge through large parts of the game. United just seemed to struggle to find the quality of pass and possession that we saw in 2009. An early goal would have made a massive difference and chances were made that either went wide or were judged off side.

Their goal game from a lob up the wing and a cross \ shot that Clarke almost caught only tipping it into the net in the end.

Chapman struggled at right back, Green was keen and persistent but Beano was isolated up front and the U's were unable or unwilling to use the wings to good effect.

The starting 11 had 10 minutes in the second half to make amends before Wilder made two changes with Batt and Green (M) coming on for Chapman and Green (F) - this helped and there was more urgency and ambition, but it was all too late and the chances that came were either well saved or well blocked by Tamworth - even the 6 minutes of added time made no odds as we finished with 9 on the pitch, Murray limping off and Batt getting 2 yellows for what appeared to be having a word with the linesman and then a few more words with the ref.

That leaves 2 lives left to regain the top spot, the reaction to this home loss will be telling indeed.

Salisbury City 1 Oxford United 1

2009-12-31T08:50:00.002Z

Salisbury City vs Oxford United
Originally uploaded by WiggyToo

Couldn't see much out so came back and listened \ watched online, disappointing to concede so late but better than losing.

Really need to win those games in hand.

Ho hum - happy new year all.

Oxford United 4 Ebbsfleet United 2

2009-12-06T08:39:00.006Z

2 goals in 10 minutes suggested there might be a goalfest, the Us' hit the ground running and Ebbsfleet were slow off the mark at the back and were 2 down before they really knew what was happening. However after that Oxford stood back a bit and Ebbsfleet made a few chances, their number 11, Welsh, had the beating of Chapman at right back and skinned him a couple of times - really not sure why they didn't give him the ball more often.

After the break Ebbsfleet got back into it with a goal, Chapman got out of position up the pitch, Perry didn't cover across quick enough and the Us' were punished. 2 minutes later Batt was on for Chapman and Oxford spurred on by the Ebbsfleet goal played more urgent football and pushed for the 3rd which came from Potter followed swiftly by a 4th from Beano to kill things off.

Pretty much all over, Batt went off after only 20 minutes on the pitch (injured?) the back 3 were uncertain again and Ebbsfleet capitalised for their 2nd.

Disappointing to concede 2 and the defence had a wobbly day, but 3 points from the game, 55 points at the halfway point and 5 points clear of Stevenage with a game in hand - not bad.

Oxford United vs Ebbsfleet United
Originally uploaded by WiggyToo

Good to see Potter get 2, the first was nice as he cut inside the defender and curled it left footed in the top left corner, the second came when he just got in front of 2 defenders and chipped the keeper who tried to catch rather than clear and tipped it into the net. Potter seems at his best when he makes an early decision to take a shot, too long on the ball in the box and he almost tricks himself out of the ball - nit picking though, good to see him play 90 minutes.

Francis Green looks very quick, would have had a goal but loacked a little composure in front of goal.

Crawley Town 1 Oxford United 2

2009-12-02T17:06:00.002Z

Caught up late with the score, and what sounds like an exciting game, really the sort of result that makes you feel like things are really going for the Yellows this year .. but I will not tempt fate by even considering the option here.

F9FF03

2009-11-27T08:29:00.007Z

This appears to be the yellow which is the subject of this year, and this blog - and my entry in the competition set by the guys over here blog.drhue.com, find out all about it at

http://www.24hour-startup.com/

so if you want to know why I love this colour, read about the trials, tribulations and passion in Yellow Year.

On a similar theme, use Multicolr Search Lab to find photos on Flickr that contain this Yellow, better this Yellow and Blue.

Oh look, the Us share colours with another great brand ..

Ikea
Originally uploaded by Ian Muttoo

Anyway - good luck to the team at 24hour-startup.com, and if you are a millionaire and reading this, then you can try to buy the company here, you could bag a bargain and spend the profits on new players.

Yellow Wig

Forest Green Rovers 0 Oxford United 1

2009-11-25T16:55:00.002Z

Good start with 2 new boys on board, back to back wins will help after the Kiddie blip. Interesting reading the Forest Green manager view - quote;

"When we get our chances - they (Oxford) have had one moment and they've scored a goal - we just have to be better with our moments."

A key difference this year is that they not only make chances, they take them - even if fewer are made, there's a fine line as Steven Wright said.

So 18 games in top position and 2 games to go before half way, home to Ebbsfleet now I think. Tempting fate lets say 100 points would make top spot certain in April, that means keeping the same form for the whole second half of the season but being allowed to drop another 3 points than in the first half (assuming they get at least 1 point in the next 2 games).

Top Spot Stats.
04 -05 Barnet 86
05 - 06 Accrington 91
06 - 07 Dagenham & Redbridge 95 (OUFC runners up 81)
07 - 08 Aldershot 101
08 - 09 Burton 88

Maybe 95 is enough, anyway it is all good so far.

Oxford United 1 Barrow 0

2009-11-23T12:52:00.003Z

Well - a wet day at the Kassam and a fairly drab affair it has to be said, the Us failed to capitalise on an early penalty but a win is a win.

Not sure how many Barrow fans made the trip - I lost count at about 70, but thanks to those that did - Cumbria suffering badly in the recent floods.

Not quire half way through the season and pressure still being applied by Stevenage, 5 points in it and a dip in form still possible. With Creighton and Kinniburgh out it was important to get the win, Perry did well in the middle of defence and Sandwith did OK on the flank.

Next week's cup game should be an entirely different affair, a goal fest no doubt.

Kidderminster Harriers 3 Oxford United 1

2009-11-14T17:48:00.003Z

While 2000 + hardy Oxford souls were at Aggborough watching in pain (I assume), I was scrumming with 2000 other people at the shops, so I caught up with the commentary on the way home - sounded a bit unpleasant but according to Nick "Mr BBC" Harris they deserved no more - I can't comment.

Bring on Barrow.

Bring on Barrow.

FA Cup Run - ENDED

2009-11-08T09:07:00.007Z

2 games in, that counts as a run - stats here.

24/10/2009 - Oxford United 2 Thurrock 0
Goals from Creighton and an OG from Flynn, people in attendance 3,296

07/11/2009 - Oxford United 1 Yeovil 0
Midson scores, hardy souls 6,144

.. continued

28/11/2009 - Oxford United 1 Barrow 1
Cook scores, Foster sent off, peeps 6,088

08/12/09 - Barrow 3 Oxford United 1
Beano scores, 2,754 people there
All together now - "oh well, we can concentrate on the league"

Oxford United 1 Altrincham 0

2009-11-04T17:49:00.004Z

Well - delayed report from the match this week - what can I say .. er its Autumn, which means leaves and stuff, or scary wicker type things - maybe they'll torch it if we get promoted.

So, to the game, well I felt it was a little casual, even from the off and this was reinforced by the penalty miss, I guess Green took it as Beano had missed the Luton one, but anyway it did not bode well for the rest of the game.

Altrincham has little to offer, 3 big guys at the back showed they were keen on defending but other than that I can't recall any of their players.

The manager was fun though, Graham Heathcote always enjoys some banter with the crowd and does some arm waving - cool.

Finally the ever impressive Kinniburgh didn't give up on a lost cause and set up a finish for Batt, he took it well and settled the team, in fact they looked more dedicated and energetic after he scored.

Highlights here courtesy of Aunty Beeb.

York City 1 Oxford United 1

2009-10-21T09:02:00.001+01:00

Our Northern correspondent and our part time Mackem made the trip to KitKat Crescent, or Bootham Crescent as was (which reminds, a friend of mine's wife was born there apparently - but that is another tale for another time) - where was I, oh yes - two made the trip, to quote said Mackem:-

"Like the majority of you, I too have been extremely disappointed over the absence of an official match report from the York game, by D.

My report below will not do the game justice, however in the absence of a D missive, it’s probably the best you will get:

Match report:
If you missed the result we drew 1.1. – dull game, we didn’t deserve anything more."

There followed an update on the health and well being of our Northern correspondent - but we don't need to go into that here.

Link to BBC highlights here.

Oxford United 5 Grays Athletic 0

2009-10-11T14:59:00.006+01:00

Absent - so missed the 5 goal defeat of Grays Athletic - however I can bore you, dear reader, with some stats. Last season the first 23 games yielded 30 points, an average of 1.3 a game; the second 23 games 52 points which is 2.26 a game - promotion form most would say; with 7 games to go to the half way point so far this season the team have amassed 39 points at an average of 2.44 a game - further improvement on the the impressive end to last season - I will not tempt fate with any predictions - draw your own conclusions, but reason enough to smile.

Highlights here - those glory hunters at the BBC have started publishing OUFC highlights on their site.

Barrow 1 Oxford United 1

2009-10-05T08:18:00.004+01:00

This week saw me following the score via the BBC web site on my phone while attending a local book launch, a bloke "what I know from the pub" has written Rocking in Oxford and the launch was in The Cellar, a venue my 20 years in Oxford had not led me to - not even when it was The Corn Dolly. Live music was provided by veterans who appear in the book, The Falling Leaves can still rock out - web references to the band are scarce - mentioned in the Oxford Mail and on the odd web site - the book covers the era with personal anecdotes and a lot of photos from.

Oh - we drew - BBC Highlights here.

Oxford United 3 Crawley Town 1

2009-09-30T19:08:00.003+01:00

The return of J Lo produced a troublesome game but ultimately satisfying, whilst not as convincing as the last home game patience and tenacity shone through as both full backs got on the score sheet before the improving Midson finished Crawley off and settled nerves.

Manager Steve Evans is serving a mammoth 13 match touchline ban - I seem to recall his antics last year being none too clever. Anyway his assistant pretty much ranted in the same vein so it was pleasing to see him on the losing side.

They also had the smallest team bus I have seen - a sort of transit van - as we know times are tough in the Conference, Oxford being lucky with larger crowds (average 6518, Crawley average 877).

Gateshead 0 Oxford United 1

2009-09-30T19:02:00.002+01:00

Catching up on posts, was away for this game - braved to cost of roaming data connections to pick up the result, another win.

Gateshead play at Gateshead International Stadium - fans could be some distance from the action.

Mansfield Town 2 Oxford United 1

2009-09-22T21:59:00.005+01:00

The joys of following the game via BBC on a mobile, live text is pretty good to be honest. Based on this limited coverage my take is - Yellows were hit hard early and fought back very hard but could not grab a draw, bound to happen sooner or later and that cushion at the top now proving useful - nuff said.

Report below from our Northern Correspondant - (c) "2 Sheds" - looks like Oxford started the game the way they finished against Eastbourne - only got found out this time.

"Bizarrely, I enjoyed that much more than the Wrexham game, despite the result.
Mansfield came out of the blocks like a train and looked a very good side - skillful and direct, lots of width and balls to feet, our defence were caught cold, and they'd already hit the post before getting their two goals. Clarke was unlucky with the first as he made a good save and a following up attacker reacted more quickly than the defence to pull off a decent angled lob. Oddly I can't remember the second at all, though I remember claims for offside earlier in the move but I reckon it was marginal (and hard to tell from behind the goal). The rest of the half was a bit back and forth - end to end stuff but with no clear chances until Cook hit the underside of the bar with a thumping swerving shot from outside the box after a good knock down from Constable (I think - it was up the other end).
The start of the second half was similar - then Beano scored a neatly taken goal, rather out of nowhere, after good work from Murray to set up a grandstand finish. The Mansfield goal was under siege from then on - we played with belief and aggression, the ball was scarcely in our half and we hit the bar again. Shame we didn't play that way earlier. Some tedious Mansfield timewasting was an irritation (Billy Turley ended up being the ball boy while the proper ball boys sat on their backsides in the corner of the pitch).
The referee was a bit of a homer - some bizarre free kicks that he seemed to give the wrong way, though he defused a couple of situations well and there was one very timely yellow card for a bad tackle by a Mansfield player that took the sting out of the situation before any handbags could kick off.
A good game of football between two good sides. Apart from our shoddy defence in the first 20 minutes and perhaps a lack of urgency in midfield for the first hour I can't really fault anyone. Constable, Cook and Green were superb and worked hard all evening, and I was impressed by Creighton, Batt, Foster and Kinniburgh at the back.
We'll play worse than that and win, I reckon. A draw wouldn't have been an unfair result but I was impressed with Mansfield (apart from Rob Duffy - ineffective and substituted).
The Oxford support - 650-odd - was superb (though it may have helped the acoustic being under a roof). We outsang the Mansfield fans for much of the game, apart from 5 minutes or so after the 2nd Mansfield goal. And for the first time since I was about 17 in the London Road I even started a chant (it went "...7, 8, 9, 10" - you had to be there)."

Oxford United 4 Eastbourne Borough 0

2009-09-21T18:25:00.003+01:00

Well - progress continues, but no room for complacency - at least the BBC have published some highlights here - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/england/oxfordshire/8267592.stm.

My high quality video of Murray curling one in is not so good, he'd forced a good save from the keep minutes earlier - judge for yourselves, you can almost see the pitch.

Just me and Penfold today, baby duty for one, party duty for another and nostalgia duty for the third.

To the match - the first half was stunning, some of the best midfield play I've seen Oxford play for years - but a few too many chances for the opposition, I worry we're a bit suspect at the back despite so many clean sheets - probably down to Clarke's saves. Second half everyone took a breather and it was pretty ordinary, fine by me - we still won 4 0 - but better opposition would have punished this - as Wilder has pointed out. Lets see if they can keep it going tomorrow - a true test I imagine away to Mansfield (although they have faded recently).

Wrexham 0 Oxford United 1

2009-09-14T15:28:00.002+01:00

Late to the party on this one, again listened to the commentary (washing car) - a very very good result, really grinding them out this year - long may it continue.

Watch the goal here.

Oxford United 2 Luton Town 0

2009-09-08T20:15:00.013+01:00

Biggest game so far of the season and I am unable to attend due to being in Somerset, in t ... hang on Cook just scored the second!!! So listening on the web and it is 2 - 0 and a missed penalty. Rosie and Harris commentating in exuberant terms as usual.

Where was I, oh yes, staying in Somerset in the Purple Palace that is the Premier Inn.

So - good so far, I missed the start and it was delayed by the sound of it anyway.

Anyway I'd swap missing this game for a victory and continued good fortune this season.

We have me stuck here, supporter 2 stuck up north so assuming supporters 3, 4 and 5 are on scene and so I'm enjoying the game by proxy, better sit back with a pint of Butcombe Bitter to enjoy the rest of the game .. listening.

37 minutes - we need a 3rd ...

Rosie - "he's jockeyed him" - great use of the football tense, sort of.

Half time - Nick summarises, like the carrot cruncher he is - "Aldridge like" when talking of Constable, hmm.

Kettle on, but no biscuits at the Premier Inn, Lenny doesn't tell you that does he.

Jamie Brooks interview, Carterton winning 1-0, other half time goodies.

Second half, tense start, hither and thither, touch and go, back and forth, end to end ... gulp.

Luton's half so far by the sound of it, Wilde changes it to block the winger - RED CARD! Matt Green taken out, may not be as good as it sounds, hard to play ten men etc etc. Beano getting involved as per, stay out of it. Ref may be a bit of a homer, penalty and man sent off?

10,613 attendance.

Jerome back - last 20 odd minutes, tight "blistering shot, deflected wide" - Beano.

Drifted off there - Facebook's fault, the joys of Camberwick Green - still winning.

7 minutes to go, this post still not tagged "win".

Potter on, shot saved.

Final whistle - job done :-)

Ebbsfleet United 0 Oxford United 2

2009-09-05T17:28:00.004+01:00

A recovery from the last performance - I'm not sure playing against the 10 men of Forest Green would have led to Oxford scoring last week, however Cambridge were able to take advantage of this with a 7 - 0 drubbing of the Rovers. With Mansfield dropping 2 points however the top spot is still looking mighty fine.

Watched the match updates on the BBC web site on my phone, would I be allowed to mention how much I like my phone - it makes phone calls and everything.

Buying stuff on the Android market hasn't worked well (free stuff is a breeze) - this seems a common problem, but the interface and trackball work really well. Sync up your Outlook with Gmail using this and these automatically get synchronised with your phone - anyway back to the football - good to see Cook back wonder if he'll start in Tuesday, sadly I'll miss the game so will look forward to some fine BBC Oxford commentary over t'web.

Oxford United 0 Forest Green Rovers 0

2009-09-01T17:01:00.003+01:00

AFC Wimbledon 0 Oxford United 1

2009-08-29T17:35:00.000+01:00

Picked up the result in Tesco in Ledbury, sounds fortuitous but hey ho. Yours, live from a field near Trumpet, Herefordshire.

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Oxford United 2 Stevenage Borough 1

2009-08-23T11:36:00.008+01:00

Buses, those of you who attempt public transport to the home of Oxford United will no doubt be aware of the general dilemmas of bus choice and location. Since the Oxford Bus Company stopped running the 601 from the centre of town the writer and his loyal band have had to struggle with a range of options - none of which are entirely suitable. We are also now challenged by the local council playing musical chairs with the bus stops (sort of thing) .. bus stops are now scattered randomly around the City Centre. Thames Travel have now added the Kassam Stadium to their 106 route, buses arrive on a Saturday at 2 minutes to the hour - leaving the hardy traveller either an hour to kill or a 2 minute sprint, we can infer that this is not intended to be a football bus. Anyway we ended up getting the 5 to the game, I got the 1 back colleague 1 with a pass got a 5 back (and still moaned about it) and colleague 2 used his bike and car as he is still on sprog delivery alert - who cares? You, dear reader, do not - what of the game you say.

Bad tempered affair with 2 good goals for Oxford, followed by a late Stevenage goal (Yemi) and a nervy finish. Oxford struggled to get control in midfield but patience was rewarded, they need to work on keeping a clean sheet - the Stevenage goal came during a spell of Oxford jitters.

The Stevenage players followed the lead of their manager who spent a lot of time berating the ref and generally waving his arms about - in the photo you can see all 4 of the away dugout looking unhappy - they got what they deserved from the game.

Oxford United 4 Chester City 0

2009-08-19T08:04:00.007+01:00

Evening kick off and a balmy August evening at the Kas Stad, by the end of the evening we'd be in top spot for the first time for a couple of years plus (Boxing Day 2006, having spent 18 games in top spot a minor slump in form led to second spot and play off hell). Stop reminiscing and get back to the point - a good performance against an out of condition side. Oxford showed good patience and with better finishing would have scored a couple in the first half, Potter looks tricky and got into the box several times only to discover he had no shooting boots.

Midfield worked really well, Murray was excellent and they all ran hard and closed down right through the game - something that was missing last year. Defence still a bit iffy but Beast is improving, talking more and Day was excellent. Up front Constable shaded Green, both good but Green could have passed more often.

Chester faded fast in the last 30 minutes, but kept playing and did not let their clear frustration lead to fouls and bad temper, I felt for them, they looked shattered.

We were four, absentee said he was working - good for him as Chester brought a drummer or two and absentee has made it clear he thinks they should only be seen next Tuesday.

Histon 3 Oxford United 4

2009-08-16T09:42:00.003+01:00

"I wasn't at the game, Jerome" - regular absentees from Oxford's away games may be familiar with this phrase, used in the post match phone in by those with detailed and deep analysis on a game they haven't seen. Much like this post.

Anyway the joys of Saturday afternoon DIY were this week lifted by the full force of Nathan and Jerome of BBC Oxford, their enthusiastic and, how can I put it, spirited commentary from a range of broadcasting facilities around the Conference is one of the highlights of following the Us.

Away win - good words to use, but a close thing as the defence crumbled, lets hope Wilder sorts that out and quick before Tuesday's potential banana skin visit of Chester City.

Kettering Town 1 Oxford United 1

2009-08-12T06:56:00.003+01:00

Too busy looking for shooting stars a day too soon, a point away, unbeaten and 6th; no complaints here. Must check the sky tomorrow.

Oxford United 2 York City 1

2009-08-09T10:32:00.004+01:00

So first game of a brand new season, always seems to come round far too early especially as this Saturday it was actually sunny rather than lashing down as it seems to have done for the rest of the off season.

Pre-game found us in the Chequers, which served well as the meeting place; we shunned the bus as 4 squeezed in a taxi and met the 5th at the ground, the 5th’s wife is expecting so he had planned various fast getaway routes which involved at least 3 forms of transport.

Shock – horror the beer at the ground is now cheaper and marginally less gassy and rubbish.

Anyway onto the game, a pretty evenly matched affair with neither side making many chances, York made 2 and scored 1, Oxford made 2 and scored 2 and that is pretty much the game summary – however the timing of the Oxford goals added some level of excitement with an equaliser on 88 and a winner on 90 – Wilde starting as he left off last season with creative and reasonably courageous substitutions which definitely turned the game enough for Oxford to equalise, and this spurred on the Yellows enough to scrape a winner.

York fans will be justifiably disgruntled, but we’ll take what we can get.

I think I’ll avoid player reviews at this stage, some had better starts than others but overall positive.

Next Kettering away …

PS - post match atmosphere spoilt by watching England continue to collapse in spectacular fashion in the 4th test

Quids in

2009-07-25T11:40:00.003+01:00

So 2 weeks to go and the Dean Whitehead sale boosts the coffers , good news too. Hope he does well at Stoke, always a good player for the Us. Couple more friendlies to go then the summer is as good as over and it is back to the micro climate of the Kas Stad.

See you there.

What's it all about?

2009-07-05T14:06:00.002+01:00

So the fixtures are out and 5 weeks to the next campaign, always seems to come round with the summer in full swing. Home to York on day 1 finishing up away to Eastbourne (probably). The truly professional nature of the Conference continues, it turns out fixtures are done by hand so we end up with a Saturday with no game on March 6th, certainly don't rule out another registration and points debacle this year from at least one team.

Working very hard to avoid any references to the other fictional Potter it is a good sign to see young Alfie in the team, saw him play on TV and I was impressed - we shall see.

Bank Holiday fixtures:
31st Aug - Forest Green @ home
26th Dec - Rushden @ home
28th Dec - Salisbury away
5th April - Salisbury @ home

Anyway back to the tennis.

Happy times

2009-06-20T08:56:00.006+01:00

Apparently yesterday was the happiest day of the year (thank God for science) which bodes well since my Season Ticket arrived, at number 2099 one assumes sales are going well - indeed according to one well know local source it is the hottest ticket in the Blue Square Premier.

As my mate Dave pointed out, and following on from the unregistered player shambles of last year, the "Conference" is less than well organised - the table as of today shows gibberish.

I leave the reader to draw their own conclusions.

No escape

2009-06-17T23:36:00.006+01:00

Awaiting the arrival of my Season Ticket and publication of the fixtures on July 3rd, the start of another season looms along with a desire for the disappointments of last year to be washed away in a euphoric 100 point season and automatic promotion.

This blog aim is to record the season - a bold aim that I will no doubt regret shortly.