Oxford v Swindon: A Clash of Ideologies

When we refer to the rivalry between Oxford and Swindon, we are used to emphasising the differences between us. “They're not like us, they're...different” seems to be the prevailing discourse at both ends of the A420. However, in many ways the two clubs are rather similar. Both have a similar-sized core support, have each won a major trophy, spent just a few short years in the top flight and are both clubs who have traditionally lurched from one financial crisis to the next.

However, in the true spirit of rivalry, we're not going to focus on any of that stuff right now. Instead, this article looks at the contrasting ideologies dictating the way these two rivals operate. Most obviously, and most publicly, this is exemplified by the people in the dugout.

What the Stats Say...Macclesfield

Having previously bemoaned the fact that we always seem to play sides when they're out of form,along come a woefully out of form Macclesfield to prove me wrong. With Oxford marooned in seventh place, six points behind Torquay and five points ahead of Port Vale, this match must be seen as a good chance to get points on the board. And yet, this being Oxford, we all know it won't be that straightforward. Here's Matt Peck with the stats on a fixture that has become rather a regular occurrence in the last decade.

Clarke the Saviour

Not for the first time in the last few years, we (and Damian Batt in particular!) owe Ryan Clarke a huge debt of gratitude for his penalty-saving brilliance, without which the Barnet match would probably have ended in another frustrating home draw. More impressive is that he played at all, given that he had been up all night with illness.

Subsequently, there have been plenty of figures flying around; some say it's 11 saves from 14, others say 10 from 15. Having scoured the archives today, I make it that Clarke has faced 17 penalties in competitive matches, saving 7 of them. Not as sensational as some thought but pretty impressive nonetheless. Interestingly, of the 9 penalties Clarke has faced in the Football League, he has saved 6.

What the Stats Say...Barnet

As seems to have been the case all season with our opponents, it is an in-form Barnet who make the relatively short trip to Oxford for this rearranged game, as well as a return for former player Sam Deering. Matt Peck looks over the stats ahead of the match.

What the Stats Say...Bristol Rovers

Our next test is a tricky away tie against an in-form Bristol Rovers. Bristol Rovers have had a poor season so far, but have picked up considerably following the dismissal of Paul Buckle and the appointment of Mark McGhee. With the final playoff place on the line, Oxford will be hoping to push on from Tuesday's stuttering win over Dagenham, while Rovers are hoping to mount a late charge to sneak into that final place. Here's Matt Peck with the stats.

Youth Begins to Bear Fruit for OULFC

Picture from Manchester City Ladies FC

The Oxford United Ladies team has had a remarkable season so far, currently boasting a 100% record in the league (with a goal difference of +44) and coming off the back of a run to the third round of the FA Cup for the first time in the club's short history. That being the case, it's about time they were featured on these pages, where their success has gone criminally unreported.

Mehdi Kerrouche - From Red to Yellow

With no actual football to keep us occupied, the big news recently has been the loan signing of Mehdi Kerrouche from rivals Swindon Town. With the current strikeforce letting us down so far this season, manager Chris Wilder has moved to address the problem by signing several attack-minded players. With this in mind, Youcef El Barhdadi runs the rule over our new signing and assesses what new-boy Kerrouche can bring to our attacking options.

My First Oxford Match: Youcef El Barhdadi

Next in our ever-popular 'My First Oxford Match' series is Youcef El Barhdadi, recalling an era when Ian Atkins seemed destined to lead Oxford to promotion. What could possibly go wrong? If, like Youcef, you'd like to write about your first Oxford match, please don't hesitate to email it to tbfuth@hotmail.co.uk.

My First Oxford Match: Adam Brown

Our My First Oxford Match series returns with these fantastic reminiscences of the Beech Road benches from Adam Brown. We're still looking for contributions to this series, and would really appreciate your memories of your first match, no matter how hazy they may be. If you're interested just email your recollections to tbfuth@hotmail.co.uk and they will be gratefully received!

Important Decisions

Picture from @OUFClive

With the transfer window shut and a steady stream of games from now until the end of the season, we appear to be reaching a critical point in the season. Currently clinging onto the final playoff place and with a sizeable 7-point gap separating us from Torquay in sixth, there is a lot of work to be done in the coming weeks, firstly to pull ourselves away from the chasing pack and secondly to catch up with the sides ahead of us. And with our somewhat ordinary recent form showing six points from our last five matches, our season is – if not completely stuttering – currently lacking the momentum required to mount a serious challenge. The decisions made now will be key to deciding the trajectory of this season: getting it right will see the side begin to push forward and cement our place in the playoffs, while getting it wrong will see us fall away from the promotion chase altogether.

In Profile: January Signings

In truth, the Januray transfer window has been more about shifting players on than bringing new ones in for Oxford United. However, four fresh faces have arrived at Grenoble Road during this period, so here is a (not so) brief introduction to them.