What the Stats Say...Hereford

Though this weekend's visit of Hereford United has been overshadowed somewhat by the James Constable transfer saga, this match is by far the more pressing matter as we seek to correct the mistakes of last weekend. Once again, Matt Peck's excellent statistical analysis is enlightening, revealing the tough challenge that Hereford will pose.

THE NUMBERS

Form (League)

Oxford: WDDWL (8 pts)

Hereford: LDWLW (7 pts)

Times played (at Oxford): 2

Wins

Oxford: 1

Hereford: 1

Draws: 0

Goals

Oxford: 3

Hereford: 2

Last league Result (At Oxford): (26 February 2011)

Oxford United 0 v 2 Hereford

                                    Fleetwood (8’, 90’)

Reverse Fixture: Hereford 0 - 1 Oxford United

OTHER STATS

Oxford and Hereford face off at the Kassam on Saturday, with both enjoying reasonable form heading into the game. Oxford have amassed 8 points in their last 5 games, the same as they had prior to the meeting at Edgar Street back in October. Hereford are on a better run of form than their last meeting, collecting 3 more points in the run up to this game than the reverse fixture last year.

Despite losing against Crewe last weekend, Oxford have actually gained a place in the league, this is the first time this has happened to Oxford in its Football League history, and happened because Gillingham lost by more than the Yellows.

The referee for this match is Iain Williamson, who has never officiated a match involving Oxford or Hereford. This season he has refereed 17 games, 6 of which have been in League Two.

Last season’s game was a 2-0 defeat. After going behind after 8 minutes, Hereford defended for the remaining 80 minutes, before grabbing a second as Oxford inevitably got caught on the break.

Hereford have only conceded 13 on the road this season, making them one of the toughest defences in the league on their travels.

They have, however, only beaten top half opposition once this season, losing eight, and drawing once. Conversely, Oxford have only lost twice to bottom half opposition.

This is Oxford’s first opportunity of the season to ‘do the double’ on a team.

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