PREVIEW: Accrington Away, FA Cup (01/12/12)

As far as FA Cup second round ties go, a trip to Accrington Stanley is probably among the least desirable. It's not just because of the lack of glamour surrounding our opponents, but also because it's another away trip up north (we have failed to pick up a point this season north of Oxford – that's six defeats from six league games) and it lacks even the appeal of being against a side from another division – it's just over a month since the two sides met at the Kassam.

MATCH REPORT: Oxford United 2-1 Northampton Town

This match had everything that we have been missing lately: exciting football, a positive result, and an excellent atmosphere. The mood in the two camps could hardly have been more different going into this game, Northampton – unbeaten in five before this match – fancied their chances, while Oxford had failed to win in four and were forced to field a much changed side.

Ultimate Support Saturday

As the season has lurched from one disappointment to the next the mood amongst the fans has changed from alarm, to disgruntlement, and eventually to a state of apathy which has seen average attendances fall below 6,000 for the first time since we returned to the Football League. The expectation of success that has been an ever-present ever since Chris Wilder initially reversed the club's fortunes has dissipated quickly this season and with Oxford being one of the most expensive clubs to follow in League Two, can we really blame those thousands for staying away when the product on offer is so poor?

MATCH REPORT: Barnet 2-2 Oxford United

Yet more disappointment for United fans in what is becoming a hugely underwhelming season. This time, we were held by basement side Barnet and George Elek was on-hand to report.

MATCH REPORT: Chesterfield 2-1 Oxford United

United’s inconsistencies continued after they fell to a late, late defeat at the Proact Stadium. The home fans will have left the ground wondering how they managed to avoid defeat, let alone snatch a victory after witnessing a poor Chesterfield performance.

When Your Hobby Becomes a Chore

With crowds down by an alarming number so far this season (our average attendance this season is more than 1,000 below last season's average), Adam Brown writes of the increasing apathy that he and many others have been feeling for the club recently.

PREVIEW: Torquay United Home (10/11/12)

Tuesday's disappointing defeat at the hands of Dagenham more or less killed any sense of optimism that had been building and with the side now slumped in 18^th place it's not difficult to see why. This weekend's match against Torquay presents an important opportunity to recover from a poor performance for both sides, with Torquay also being out of form at the moment.

MATCH REPORT: Oxford United 2-3 Dagenham and Redbridge

Just when it appeared as if we had turned a corner, we had to go and 'do an Oxford' and screw it up with a disappointing defeat at home to Dagenham & Redbridge. If wins against Wycombe and Barnet had provided ample reason to feel positive at last about this Oxford side, this performance against Dagenham was a stark reminder that we still have a long way to go if we want to reach the level that is expected and demanded.

PREVIEW: Barnet Away, FA Cup (03/11/12)

We face a short break now from the league and in some respects it is an unwelcome one, coming as it does on the back of last week's pleasing victory over Wycombe. In an ideal world, we would like another league game to build on that momentum, but progression in the cup brings its own kind of momentum.