PREVIEW: Gateshead Home, FA Cup (09/11/13)

Oxford take another (probably brief) departure from league action this weekend, as we start our FA Cup campaign this weekend, at home to Conference side Gateshead. A home tie against lower league opposition is usually regarded as something of a dream tie in the first round, offering a good chance of progression towards the potentially lucrative third round when the big boys come to play. But given our well-documented home struggles this season, one can't help but feel that this one has 'upset' written all over it.

Last weekend's goalless draw with Luton made it six games unbeaten for the Heed, a run which includes their 1-0 win over Chester in the fourth qualifying round. That run has also included six clean sheets, so with Oxford only managing seven goals in eight home games so far, this could be a frustrating afternoon for home supporters. The visitors, currently 11^th in the Conference, are perhaps understandably in confident mood coming into the match, but they will be without former York striker Richard Brodie, Marcus Maddison and former yellow Luke O'Brien.

We, of course, will be without Alfie Potter, who is absent for eight weeks with ankle ligament damage following an appalling challenge that went more or less unpunished in last week's game against Bristol Rovers. Fortunately, Fulham have allowed Ryan Williams to play this week so we do at least have cover in this area for him. Elsewhere, Tom Newey is back at left-back after serving his suspension last week, which means that once again Chris Wilder is left with a dilemma at centre-back with Jake Wright, Johnny Mullins and Michael Raynes all competing for a starting berth.

Of course, all of the above is assuming that we choose to name a full-strength side this weekend. With tickets reduced to just £10 for the game in order to tempt fans who might otherwise have decided to give the game a miss, it could be a sign that Oxford are not particularly interested in the FA Cup this year. The cups have slipped down the list of priorities this season, it seems, crashing out at the first attempt in both the League Cup and the JPT. A weakened side crashed out 4-0 away to Charlton in the first round of the former, while in the latter a youthful side were beaten 2-1 by Portsmouth despite dominating most of the match.

This will be only the third time the two clubs have met in competitive action, the last time coming in our final season in the Conference. In the first of our two previous encounters, a Matt Green goal gave us a 1-0 victory at the Gateshead International Stadium. In the second...

From the Vaults

Oxford United v Gateshead, 27^th March 2010

United were on a miserable run of five games without a win and the promotion chase appeared to be faltering as Stevenage began to pull away at the top of the table. And with a crucial trip to Hertfordshire awaiting days later it was essential that we got back to winning ways at home to Gateshead. And after a nervy first half James Constable finally struck to send us on our way in the second, with substitute Matt Green scoring the winner in injury time after Gateshead had been allowed a controversial equaliser.

You can find this and many other old OUFC matches in the VIDEO VAULT!

Also This Weekend

The youth team are back in action this week after their match last week against Hereford was surprisingly cancelled by the visitors at late notice. This time it's Bristol Rovers' turn to come to Roman Way, just a week after their grown-up counterparts came away from the Kassam Stadium with their first away win of the season.

The women's development squad are also back after a lengthy lay-off, still seeking their first win of the season. They host Birmingham City on Sunday in the League Cup, having been narrowly beaten 2-1 in their previous cup game by Yeovil Town.

Don't forget you can find full fixture lists for women's, development and youth teams on our Fixtures page!

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PREVIEW: Bristol Rovers Home (02/11/13)

Table-topping Oxford look to build a lead at the top of League Two as struggling Bristol Rovers come to the Kassam. Rovers haven't won away from home all season and currently find themselves just two places and one point above the relegation zone, having endured a miserable season so far. And while our home form isn't exactly sparkling, we have to look at this game as a great opportunity to build on last week's win at AFC Wimbledon.

Bristol Rovers are currently winless in nine league games, a run which stretches back to August, though they did earn a point against Chesterfield last week. Injuries have plagued the Gas this season, a problem manager John Ward has looked to address this week by signing striker Chris Beardsley from Preston. He looks set to go straight into the Pirates' starting XI this weekend but who will partner him up front seems to be up for grabs. Matt Harrold's chances of playing are rated as '50/50' while David Clarkson is suspended after being red-carded a couple of weeks ago.

In contrast, Oxford will be boosted by the returns of several important players. Deane Smalley came off the bench to play a big part last week and could start as a result, while Dave Kitson is back from suspension following his sending off against Exeter. Could James Constable be dropped to the bench, despite finding the net last weekend? Alfie Potter is also back from injury this week after being ruled out by a hamstring problem in recent weeks, providing a feast of attacking options after last week's famine. Chris Wilder does have one problem position, however, after Tom Newey picked up his fifth yellow card of the season last Saturday. And with Jon Meades still injured it leaves us looking very light at left-back. But with Johnny Mullins returning at centre-back and both Jake Wright and Michael Raynes looking undroppable might we see a return to three at the back in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation? Time will tell.

Underestimate Bristol Rovers at your peril. The Pirates started last season in similarly disastrous fashion but finished the season strongly as the league's form side – and they demonstrated how difficult they can be on their last visit to the Kassam Stadium. Then, the tables were reversed as an in-form Bristol Rovers arrived to face a hopelessly out-of-form United and duly took the three points with a comfortable 2-0 victory. There are few predicting a repeat of that this time around but League Two has been so ridiculously topsy-turvy this season that anything could happen.

From the Vaults

Oxford United v Bristol Rovers, 10^th August 2010

Oxford returned to action in the League Cup after a four-year absence with a bang, putting six past League One Bristol Rovers in our first home game of the season. Simon Heslop and James Constable each netted twice, while Matt Green and Jack Midson were also on target. Enjoy!

You can find this and many other old OUFC matches in the VIDEO VAULT!

Also This Weekend

It's not just the first team currently topping their league. The youth team are at it too and they're back in league action this weekend at home to Hereford United after Wednesday's comfortable 3-0 win over Didcot in the FA Youth Cup. They've already been beaten once by the Bulls this season, 4-2 in the League Cup, so will be eager for the chance of revenge this time out. The match kicks off at 11 at Roman Way so there's plenty of time to get down to the Kassam once it's over if you fancy a full day of football.

Don't forget you can find full fixture lists for women's, development and youth teams on our Fixtures page!

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PREVIEW: AFC Wimbledon Away (26/10/13)

Oxford are on the road again this weekend and Kingsmeadow is the destination. After two successive 0-0 draws against Accrington and Exeter if we want to keep in touch with the top three a result is a must this weekend. Key to that, of course, will be our ability to score goals. For most of the season it's not been scoring goals that has been our problem but keeping them out. Prior to the last week we were top scorers in the division but had kept just two clean sheets all season. But in the last two games we've seen an unusual reversal of that record as we've been able to keep them out at one end but been unable to find the net at the other.

And that's a problem that has been exacerbated by the absence of Alfie Potter and Deane Smalley, both of whom are likely to miss out once again. Added to that the suspension of Dave Kitson following his sending off on Tuesday and our options up front are looking decidedly limited. It leaves us with James Constable and Tyrone Marsh as our only fit an available strikers while our only designated right winger, Ryan Williams, is unable to play a full 90 minutes.

Picture by Jon Whiles Photography

At the back, even despite the continued absence of Johnny Mullins, we've been in impressive form. Michael Raynes has seized his opportunity to come into the backline and we've looked far more solid as a result. And with Wimbledon struggling for goals lately, expect that to continue this weekend.

Wimbledon are having a rough run of form lately. Having started the season incredibly strongly, their form has since tailed off drastically and they're now without a win in their last five games. Even so, they're predicting on their official website that this match could see a record crowd at Kingsmeadow, with our allocation already sold out. And with the potential return of Andy Frampton and Charlie Sheringham to the Dons team after lengthy absences due to injury, the Wimbledon side we come up against this weekend could be a different proposition to the one which has struggled in recent weeks.

But if our record against Wimbledon since their reformation is anything to go by we needn't be worried. Oxford have won all six of our previous meetings, including an impressive 3-0 win on our last visit. In fact, we put six goals past the Dons last season, having beaten them 3-2 earlier that season at the Kassam, in what was a difficult season for Wimbledon as they narrowly avoided relegation back to the Conference. But that was then, this is now, and after some surprising results throughout the league recently, this one could go either way.

Also This Weekend

The youth team welcome Cheltenham Town to Roman Way in League Cup action on Saturday just two weeks after a 2-0 away win there to go top of the league table. Unfortunately, the match is merely an academic exercise as last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth means that we will play no further part in the competition beyond the group stages.

Don't forget you can find full fixture lists for women's, development and youth teams on our Fixtures page!

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PREVIEW: Exeter Home (22/10/13)

It's still very early days in the season but this week's match against Exeter has the potential to be one of those standout matches that mark a turning point in the direction of our season. With Exeter third and us currently fourth and one point behind, recent weeks have seen the top of the table become somewhat cramped as the early pacesetters have slipped and the chasing pack have caught up. But at the end of this round of fixtures, there's a very good chance that things will be less bunched as some drop points and others pull away. A win could see us go top while a defeat would put us four points behind and thus the result of this game could determine whether we remain one of the pacesetters or slip back to become one of the chasing pack.

The latter is a position which has become familiar to our opponents this week. While United have spent much of their time so far this season in the top three, Exeter have just moved into that echelon for the first time this season after a recent run of form which has seen them win three of their last four. Their 4-0 win away at Scunthorpe on Saturday was a real statement of intent but having moved into the top three on the back of such an impressive result the Grecians have now put themselves in a position to be shot at and this is what we have to try and do.

However, we'll have to do it without some important players. Johnny Mullins and Deane Smalley are both unlikely to be fit and Alfie Potter is a definite absentee. To an extent it simplifies matters as far as team selection is concerned. I would expect David Hunt will return to his usual right-back position with Jake Wright and Michael Raynes in the centre. With Potter out, Ryan Williams should come in on the right wing in a standard 4-4-2 formation. Of course, there have been a few occasions this season when Chris Wilder has chosen to shake things up and caught the opposition off guard – as against Northampton last time at the Kassam – but with the players available a 4-4-2 would seem the most likely lineup.

And while our injuries seem to be mounting up right now, Exeter appear to be heading towards a clean bill of health, with Matt Oakley the only notable absentee. He is replaced in the midfield by the returning Matt Gill who came off the bench to feature on Saturday after signing from Bristol Rovers last week.

Exeter have won their last three games on the road and naturally come into the game full of confidence. Our home form is less than impressive and Exeter are typically a side that we struggle against at the Kassam, with last season's disappointing 4-2 defeat a case in point. But, as has already been much discussed, if this season is to be different we need to overcome that and pick up more results at home and there have been some positive signs that we are moving in the right direction in this area. A win against Exeter would certainly back that up in style and put us in a very handy position.

From the Vaults

Oxford United v Exeter City, 4^th September 2007

Having taken a look back at some of Oxford's greatest comebacks last week we unfortunately now remember an occasion when United were caught on the wrong side of similar heroics. With the pain of our recent play-off defeat at the hands of Exeter still raw, we appeared to be well on our way to exorcising those demons when the Grecians returned to the Kassam the following season. Two penalties from Rob Duffy had given us a comfortable lead but in typical fashion we collapsed in the second half, conceding the equaliser in injury time to draw 2-2.

You can find this and many other old OUFC matches in the VIDEO VAULT!

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PREVIEW: Accrington Away (19/10/13)

This weekend the league's best away side travel to the league's worst home side. While Oxford have dropped just two points on the road so far this season, Accrington are still waiting for their first win at the Crown Ground. We've all been here before, the script is written etc etc.

It's been a tough season for Stanley, currently five points adrift at the bottom of the league with just three points garnered from their first 11 games. However, there are signs that they are improving and they were only denied their first win of the season away at AFC Wimbledon last weekend by a late equaliser. Unfortunately for them, their goalscorer Kayode Odejayi was also sent off controversially in that game and will be banned for our visit. Manager James Beattie has said he may look to shake up his side in an attempt to reverse Accrington's fortunes, so who knows what to expect from the hosts this weekend.

Perhaps he's taking a leaf out of Chris Wilder's book after he experimented with the formation last week to reverse our recent slump in home form. But after impressing against Northampton last week it raises a question of whether to stick with that successful system or return to the plan which has so far served us so well on the road. There appear to be no fresh injury concerns to report, though Alfie Potter's hamstring problem picked up in the JPT against Portsmouth appears to be more complicated than first expected and he won't travel as a result.

Our record against Accrington is impressive. In eight previous encounters we've never been beaten and have won four of the last five (the sole draw in that run coming in the FA Cup as Michael Raynes scored in the last minute to snatch a replay at the death). If all goes according to form, all signs point towards an Oxford win. But then, it wouldn't be Oxford if it was easy...

Also This Weekend

Chris Allen's table-topping youth team travel to Bournemouth in the League Cup this weekend, fresh from an impressive 2-0 win at a strong Cheltenham side last time out. Can they make it five consecutive victories?

The women's development squad play their first home game of the season this weekend as they host Millwall Lionesses. They followed up their heavy defeat to Arsenal on the opening day with a narrow 2-1 loss to Yeovil in the cup last week and face a Millwall side who beat the Glovers 7-0 in their first game of the season. Let's hope they can pull one out of the bag this time around.

Don't forget you can find full fixture lists for women's, development and youth teams on our Fixtures page!

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PREVIEW: Northampton Home (12/10/13)

This Saturday offers another chance to end what has been a miserable run of form at home as struggling Northampton come to town. Tuesday's JPT defeat to Portsmouth was our third consecutive defeat at the Kassam and debate over the club's home form has raged (including on this site with two articles here and here).

Typically, the Cobblers, who have started the season limply and currently find themselves second bottom in the table, picked up their first away points of the season last weekend with a 2-0 win over AFC Wimbledon. And having struggled to keep the goals out in the opening stages of the season Northampton have followed up their first clean sheet of the season a fortnight ago with another shutout last weekend, so it's not going to be easy to break them down – something we have notoriously struggled to do at home. One piece of welcome news is the doubtful fitness of Chris Hackett, a familiar face after spending the first six years of his career here.

More welcome news comes from the Oxford camp, with the surprisingly quick return to form of Jake Wright and Andy Whing's return from suspension. That should cause a nice dilemma for Chris Wilder, with Michael Raynes filling in admirably in the centre of defence while the captain was out and an encouraging performance in the middle of the park from Josh Ruffels during the week. The only long-term absentee now is Jon Meades, who is still yet to make his competitive debut and is set to miss a further three months of football after an operation during the week.

It's crucial that we don't concede the first goal this weekend as that will likely double the already difficult task of breaking down a stubborn Northampton side. Aidy Boothroyd's sides are usually set up to be difficult to play against but it's one of those games where it's important to keep the ball on the floor because we won't be able to compete with them in the air. This was the approach we took for the Cobblers' last visit last November and it worked well, but we allowed ourselves to be dragged into a battle at Sixfields in the snow and came out on the wrong side side of a 1-0 scoreline.

From the Vaults

Oxford United v Northampton Town, 2^nd December 1995

Oxford were looking for a quick recovery following a 2-1 defeat to Colchester in the Auto Windscreens during the week when Northampton came to town for an FA Cup second round tie. The Third Division side came to the Manor with high hopes of causing an upset but after Stuart Massey opened the scoring it turned out to be a straightforward victory for Denis Smith's men with Paul Moody striking late on to make it safe.

You can find this and many other old OUFC matches in the VIDEO VAULT!

Also This Weekend

The youth team look to follow up their 7-1 thrashing of Swindon a fortnight ago with a trip to the Youth Alliance South West division leaders Cheltenham Town this weekend. It's a tough fixture but after scoring 12 goals in their last two games, somehow I think they won't be too daunted.

The women's development squad are also coming into this weekend on the back of a 7-1 result – a 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal in their opening WSL Development League match last week. Ordinarily if you lose 7-1 in your first match you find yourself bottom of the table, but fortunately Watford (8-1 v Reading) and Yeovil (7-0 v Millwall) had even more calamitous results. And it's the Glovers who we take on next as the girls travel to Somerset for a Development League Cup match.

Don't forget you can find full fixture lists for women's, development and youth teams on our Fixtures page!

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PREVIEW: Southend Home (05/10/13)

Southend are the visitors this week as the mighty yellows look to build on last weekend's 3-1 win over Hartlepool and give the home fans something to cheer about. With United currently second in the table you'd think Oxford fans would be feeling good at the moment, but supporters haven't seen Oxford win at home since the visit of Bury back in August, with two draws and a defeat in subsequent matches at the Kassam. No wonder then that some fans are feeling a little unloved at the moment, but this weekend's match offers an opportunity to put that right.

That's not the only sequence of results we'd like to see overturned this weekend. Our recent form against Southend is miserable, with just one win in our last ten encounters. The last time the Shrimpers visited the Kassam was to knock us out of the JPT back in January, following that up the following month with a 1-0 win at Roots Hall.

That said, the Southend which comes to town this weekend is quite a different beast to the one which has caused us so much pain in the last few years. Paul Sturrock is out and new boss Phil Brown has not enjoyed the easiest of starts to his tenure in Essex. After winning the first three games of the season, Southend have since failed to register a single victory and haven't scored more than once in a game since the middle of August.

As a result, they took the rather drastic step of naming six first-team players in a development squad match against Colchester during the week in an attempt to get them back into a winning frame of mind ahead of their trip to the Kassam. Only time will tell whether the resulting 5-1 victory will have given them a much-needed confidence boost or will have tired them out ahead of the weekend.

Picture by Jon Whiles Photography

Chris Wilder has some interesting selection choices to make this weekend. For example, does he keep faith with the side which responded so strongly last weekend? If so, that will mean no place in the side for the returning Dave Kitson after he served his one-match ban last week. And what about James Constable, who is returning to full fitness after chipping a bone in his foot? Could Alfie Potter, who has been one of our most important players so far this season, be the one to miss out for either of the returning strikers? Certainly it would seem harsh on Ryan Williams to be dropped after impressing on the right wing last weekend and scoring his first senior goal. One thing we can say with certainty is that fit-again Max Crocombe will return to the bench this weekend, after Shwan Jalal was recalled by Bournemouth during the week.

From the Vaults

Oxford United v Southend United, 24^th August 1996

The season was young when Southend came to the Manor for our first home league game of the season. We had returned to the second tier after two seasons away and began with a trip to QPR, freshly relegated from the Premier League. Southend had been mainstays at this level since their promotion in 1991, but their star was falling and they arrived at Oxford with a season of struggle ahead of them...

You can find this and many other old OUFC matches in our VIDEO VAULT!

Also This Weekend

Oxford get their first taste of WSL football this weekend. Although the new WSL2 season doesn't begin until next year, the women's development squad begin their WSL Development League season on Sunday with something of a trial by fire. They travel to Hertfordshire University to face Arsenal's development squad in the Southern Division.

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PREVIEW: Hartlepool Away (28/09/13)

Oxford make their longest trip of the season this weekend and look to start a new unbeaten record after the last one came to an end last week against Chesterfield. So far the yellows have amassed an impressive 10 points from a possible 12 on our travels and will be looking to continue that impressive form up in the north-east.

But they'll have to do it without a string of first-team regulars, after injuries and suspensions have decimated the squad in the last couple of weeks. Andy Whing and Dave Kitson are both suspended – Whing for his sending off last week and Kitson for accumulating five bookings in just seven appearances. James Constable, Jake Wright and Jon Meades are all out injured and will be for weeks to come, leaving Chris Wilder with just a handful of senior players to choose from.

However, with Sean Rigg making a comeback from injury last week we could see a return to the Rigg-Potter combination on either flank, which – as I wrote this week – could be vitally important for us this season. In the middle of the park, Scott Davies and Asa Hall are the main contenders to fill the gap left by Whing and if Tyrone Marsh is unable to recover in time from the ankle injury which kept him out last week they might both get a chance, with Deane Smalley the only fit striker at the club.

There are no such crises for Hartlepool, who are without Brad Walker and Antony Sweeney. After failing to win in their opening six games (or even register a goal in their first five) Pools have since picked up four points from their last two games, finding the net four times. Having finally turned their form around they will be feeling confident of continuing their run against a weakened Oxford.

They did exactly that on United's last trip to the Victoria Ground more than a decade ago, winning 3-1 on their way to promotion. That day Ritchie Humphreys – who netted against us for Chesterfield last week and has just been elected chairman of the PFA – was on the scoresheet as well that day. Not a great omen.

Here's Chris Wilder giving his thoughts ahead of the game to the club's official Youtube channel:

Also This Weekend

If you can't make it up to Hartlepool this Saturday, why not check out the youth team instead? They take on Swindon at Roman Way in the Youth Alliance League Cup this weekend, having already beaten them 3-2 on the opening day of the season. The youth team have won their last two games, beating Newport 2-0 and Exeter 5-1 last weekend, but lost 4-2 to Hereford in their opening match of the League Cup group stages so need to win this weekend to keep their chances alive. Kick-off is at 11 o'clock AM.

On Sunday the women's development team are in action, fresh from an impressive 6-1 victory over QPR, as they face Aston Villa in their last pre-season friendly ahead of the start of their WSL Development League campaign, which kicks off with a trip to Arsenal next week. No pressure then.  

Don't forget you can find full fixture lists for women's, development and youth teams on our Fixtures page!

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PREVIEW: Chesterfield Home (21/09/13)

With just seven games gone so far the current League Two season may still be in its infancy, but this weekend's meeting of first and second already seems to be shaping up to be a monster of a match. Chesterfield, the only other unbeaten side in the division, come to town looking to firmly establish themselves at the top of the league and the result of this game could go some way to determining the outlook at the top of the table for quite a while after. Victory for Chesterfield would put them seven points clear of us, while if we come out on top there will be just a single point separating the two sides.

The Spireites have been imperial form at the start of this season, with six wins and one draw so far, their best start to a season for more than a century. That solitary occasion when Chesterfield have dropped points came a month ago when they were held to a 2-2 draw at Rochdale. Since then they have gone on to string together a run of four straight victories. In contrast, of course, we have only won one of our last four matches (a very impressive 2-0 victory away at Burton) and haven't won at home since Bury were the visitors in our second match of the season.

But there are still plenty of good reasons to be hopeful ahead of this match. As Chesterfield's recent results show, they're not a side to sit back and play for a draw away from home and they will obviously come into the match confident of getting a result. This could actually play into our hands, as probably the best counter-attacking side in the league, and the usual problem of breaking sides down at home should be less of a problem this weekend.

What could be a problem, however, is the quality that Chesterfield boast throughout their ranks. Former Premier League player Ian Evatt has struggled to win a starting place, while experienced striker Gary McSheffrey is another new recruit after making his debut from the bench in last weekend's impressive 2-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon. They've further strengthened their squad this week with the signing of Ollie Banks from FC United of Manchester for an undisclosed fee. Top-scorer Gary Roberts has been the star of the show for Chesterfield so far this season, picking up the Player of the Month award last month ahead of Alfie Potter. Another player to watch for the Spireites this weekend is Ivorian striker Armand Gnanduillet, who has already popped up with important goals against Southend and Portsmouth after signing from French side Poissy during the summer.

Picture by Jon Whiles Photography

The big news to come out of the United camp ahead of this match is the early return of Sean Rigg from injury. He had been expected to miss up to eight weeks with a hamstring injury after he limped off against Torquay, but just four weeks later here he is back amongst the matchday squad. But after missing out for the past few weeks, it seems unlikely that he'll come straight back into the first team, so expect to see him on the bench this weekend. One player who definitely won't be on the bench for this match is Tyrone Marsh, who has been ruled out with a sore foot. He joins James Constable, Jake Wright and Jon Meades on the treatment table.

This of course leaves us with just two strikers available for this match in Dave Kitson and the injury-plagued Deane Smalley. And although Smalley's fitness has been doubtful in recent weeks, expect him to play a big part this weekend against his old club. He rejected an offer from Chesterfield in the summer of 2011 after helping them win promotion, opting for a move to Oxford instead. Andy Whing is another to have formerly featured for Chesterfield, making 11 appearances on loan at Saltergate from Brighton in the latter part of the 2009-10 campaign. On the other side of the divide is Sam Togwell, who made four undistinguished appearances for the yellows in 2004 on loan from Crystal Palace. He has since carved out a decent career for himself, with stints at Barnsley and Scunthorpe before joining Chesterfield last year.

Oxford have never beaten Chesterfield at the Kassam – although the two sides have only met there on two previous occasions. The first of those was a rather unexceptional 0-0 draw in the 2010-11 season and that latter was one we'd probably rather forget. The Spireites ground out a 1-0 win in what was a turgid game as United struggled to get going, giving Chesterfield a double victory after their controversial2-1 home win earlier in the season. But before we start to feel that all the omens are against us, let's remember our first trip to Chesterfield's new home when the then-table-toppers were toppled by an Oxford side on a miserable run of five defeats. Football's a funny old game.

From the Vaults

Oxford United v Chesterfield, 12^th August 1995

Oxford kicked off the 95-96 season with high hopes of promotion once again after disappointingly falling short the previous year. The opponents on the opening day of the season were newly-promoted Chesterfield and Oxford appeared to be stuttering to a drab 0-0 draw until Chrissy Allen's effort late in the game. We all love a last-minute winner, don't we?

You can find this and many other old OUFC matches in our VIDEO VAULT!

Also This Weekend

The youth team look to build on last week's 2-0 victory over Newport County as they make another long trip down to the south-west to face Exeter City. Victory this weekend would see the young yellows leapfrog their opponents, who have made an identical start to the season as our lads with two wins, a draw and a defeat from their opening league games.

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PREVIEW: Cheltenham Away (14/09/13)

Oxford travel to Cheltenham looking to keep up their 100% away record, after some impressive victories on the road at Portsmouth, Torquay and Burton already this season. In contrast, Cheltenham are still yet to win a league game at Whaddon Road so far this season, after draws with Burton and Portsmouth and a defeat to Plymouth.

Injuries have hampered Cheltenham's start to the season after an impressive run to the play-offs last season. Jamie Cureton was a big-name signing during the summer, but he has missed all but the opening 20 minutes of the campaign so far, dislocating his shoulder as he scored his first goal for the Robins in their season opener against Burton. Troy Brown and Craig Braham-Barrett are also absent at the back, which could go some way to explaining Cheltenham's poor defensive record so far. The loan signing of Bristol City's James Wilson yesterday would seem to be an attempt to rectify that particular problem area and he's expected to make his debut this weekend.

Chris Wilder has also dipped into the loan market this week, bringing in Bournemouth goalkeeper Shwan Jalal on a month's loan as cover, after Max Crocombe sustained a shoulder injury. James Constable seems unlikely to start after hobbling off last weekend at Burton, so the returning Deane Smalley could be set to link up again with Dave Kitson up front after a hamstring problem has kept him sidelined for the last couple of weeks.

Last time United made the trip to Whaddon Road they put four past Cheltenham in the JPT, revenge for the miserable 2-1 defeat they inflicted on us less than a month before. That was actually the first time we had been beaten in the league at Cheltenham in a decade when Ian Atkins oversaw a 2-0 defeat in April 2002. That said, until that JPT win (backed up by victory at the Kassam later in the season) Oxford hadn't beaten Cheltenham in any competition since 2005 – a run of eight matches. But with the last two matches going our way, let's hope we can make it a hat-trick of victories this weekend!

From the Vaults

Cheltenham Town v Oxford United, 9^th October 2012

Oxford made their second trip of the season to Cheltenham, having been beaten 2-1 in the league less than a month before. This time the result was rather different, Oxford twice falling behind but goals from Tom Craddock, Harry Worley, James Constable and Peter Leven secured passage into the next round.

You can find this and many other old OUFC matches in our NEW & IMPROVED VIDEO VAULT!

Also This Weekend

The youth team look to recover from recent defeats to Plymouth and Hereford in their first home match of the season, as Newport County come to town for a Youth Alliance fixture. Newport picked up their first point since returning to the Youth Alliance, holding champions Bristol Rovers to a 1-1 draw in their last match.

Don't forget you can find full fixture lists for women's, development and youth teams on our Fixtures page!

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PREVIEW: Burton Away (07/09/13)

Oxford face their toughest test so far this weekend as they travel to unbeaten Burton Albion looking to maintain their own unbeaten record in a clash between second and third in the early League Two table. The Brewers have specialised in scoring late goals in recent weeks, narrowly beating struggling Accrington 1-0 last weekend thanks to a 98th-minute winner from Adam Reed and scoring twice in the final ten minutes to salvage a 2-2 draw against Bury the previous week. Hardly the most impressive of ways to stay unbeaten, but no doubt demonstrating an admirable stubbornness and knack of grinding out results, which is probably the most important quality in a promotion-chasing side at this level.

As for ourselves, we've not exactly been convincing in recent home draws against Wycombe and Rochdale, but have similarly avoided defeat in games where we have perhaps not impressed as we might have liked. Those matches, of course were both at home, where we have struggled for quite some time. On the road we've looked unstoppable, currently boasting a 100% record from our two games so far and scoring seven times in the process. Burton are currently unbeaten at the Pirelli Stadium so far this season, so one of those records has to end this weekend.

Unlike ourselves, Burton were in action during the week in the first round of the JPT, losing 1-0 away to Notts County. Manager Gary Rowett rested several key players for the trip to Meadow Lane, with the likes of Lee Bell, Rory Delap, Chris Hussey, Adam McGurk and Rene Howe all likely to return for this fixture.

Meanwhile, the news coming out of the Oxford camp ahead of this match is that Deane Smalley – who has missed the last two matches due to a hamstring – is fit for this game. Although of course they also said the same ahead of the last two games, so who knows! Andy Whing and Alfie Potter have also been ruled fit despite having their own fitness problems, but the real news is that Alfie has finally shaved his beard!

Many Oxford fans are still haunted by our last trip to Burton, a match I'm sure most of us would rather forget. On the miserable day almost exactly a year ago, we watched our side get destroyed by four goals to nil in the middle of a six-match losing streak. In fact we've never won a Football League game at the Pirelli, though in our Conference days we were unbeaten at Burton. A return to that sort of form this weekend, please.

Travelling supporters can play their own part in making sure that happens. After the success of 'Flag Day' against Wycombe a couple of weeks ago, the Yellow Army has designated this 'Flag Away Day'. Just like then, make sure you bring any flags, banners or scarves you have to match and bring as much colour to the away end as possible. Every little helps!

From the Vaults

Burton Albion v Oxford United, 17^th April 2009

United arrived at table-topping Burton on a late play-off charge, while Burton needed just a point to secure promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history. Oxford, meanwhile, needed a win to keep the play-off dream alive...

Also This Weekend

Having received a bye in the first round of the JPT, our first tie of the competition is set to be announced this weekend. The draw is being made at 10:15am on Saturday morning live on Soccer AM and will see us pitted against one of the following: Crawley Town, Newport County, Swindon Town, Coventry City, Peterborough United, Southend United, Stevenage, Brentford, Plymouth Argyle, Dagenham & Redbridge, Wycombe Wanderers, Leyton Orient, MK Dons, Portsmouth, Bristol City.

The youth team take a break this weekend from their South West Combination campaign after their 2-1 defeat to Plymouth last weekend. They travel up to Birmingham for a friendly against Birmingham City FA on Sunday and the match is open to the public, should you find yourself up that way for some reason. Kick-off at Ray Hall Lane (B43 6JF) is at 1pm.

And if you can't make it to Burton, don't forget that Saturday is Non-League Day! Oxford City, still looking for their first win in the Conference North this season, host 14th-placed Colwyn Bay at Court Place Farm. Didcot Town, who picked up their first win of the season last weekend in the FA Cup against Wantage Town (something of a grudge match, as Didcot manager Andy Wallbridge was sacked by Wantage at the end of last season, despite finishing second in the league!), are at home to Yate Town in the Southern League Division One South and West. In the Hellenic League, both Abingdon sides are at home as Town host Ascot United (goals guaranteed!) and United welcome Bracknell Town. There are also home ties for local sides Thame United (an Oxfordshire derby v Carterton) and Kidlington (v Newbury Town) in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase.

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PREVIEW: Rochdale Home (31/08/13)

Rochdale are the next side to attempt to inflict a first defeat of the season on Oxford, as they make the trip to the Kassam. But Dale are still looking for their first away point of the season after losing 1-0 at Plymouth last week and at Burton in their second match. But for Oxford, despite the continued optimism that comes from still being top of the table, there have been signs that our problematic home form could trip us up again. The performances against Bury and Wycombe – although yielding four points – were far from convincing and many fans still view our excellent start to the season with caution.

That said, Rochdale are the type of side we usually do well against. They tend to play an open and attacking passing game, which should make this match not only a highly entertaining one, but also highly winnable.

Perhaps the deciding factor will be in how we line up for the match. With Sean Rigg and Deane Smalley out injured last week, Chris Wilder chose a different approach to the one which had been successful in the opening matches. Alfie Potter was moved from the wing to a more central position just behind lone striker James Constable, while Scott Davies and Asa Hall came into the middle of the park. This resulted in a narrow and congested midfield and as a result United lacked a lot of the threat and drive that playing with pacy wingers has given us.

It will be interesting to see whether Wilder persists with this formation this weekend (and it may depend on the availability of Smalley and Dave Kitson) or whether the much-vaunted wingers make a return. In the latter case, the key decision would be whether it is Callum O'Dowda or Ryan Williams who gets the nod. Against Wycombe, it was the right-sided Williams who came on with Potter being moved to the left and although he didn't exactly distinguish himself on his debut Wilder may still feel he is the preferable option over the raw O'Dowda.

Both Tom Newey and Deane Smalley have featured for Rochdale in the past. Newey made just two appearances for the Dale towards the end of the 2008-09 season on loan from Grimsby, featuring in defeats to Bournemouth and Gillingham. Smalley's spell at Spotland was longer – but only just. In the early part of the 2010-11 season, prior to joining league leaders Chesterfield, Smalley made three substitute appearances for Rochdale on loan from Oldham, but he didn't score and returned to Boundary Park shortly after.

Last time Rochdale came to the Kassam it was Andy Whing who stole the show, as United put in a sterling performance to win 3-0. Whing's remarkable effort was later voted 'Goal of the Season' in last season's TBFUTH Awards. That went some way to making up for a miserable defeat at Spotland earlier in the season but the Kassam hasn't always been a happy hunting ground when Rochdale come to town. They were the first competitive opponents to come to the stadium back when it was first opened in 2001 and despite a Jamie Brooks goal Dale were 2-1 victors on the day.

Also This Weekend

It's not just the senior team that are unbeaten so far this season. The youth team are looking to build on a 3-2 victory over Swindon and a 1-1 draw at Torquay as they travel to Plymouth this weekend in their third Youth Alliance match of the season.

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PREVIEW: Wycombe Home (24/08/13)

So the 'Derby That's Not Really a Derby' returns this weekend as Wycombe come to town looking to knock their supposed rivals off their perch. We, of course, are top of the league at this early stage in the season with a 100% record from our first three league games and looking to make it four from four. But even a cursory glance at our record at home to Wycombe in recent years should set off alarm bells, with the yellows unable to beat Wycombe at the Kassam since 2005. Those Oxford fans predicting a comfortable home win could be shocked to find the form book overturned this weekend.

Wycombe's start to the season has been something of a mixed bag, with a 1-0 opening day victory at home to Morecambe being followed up by defeats to Wimbledon and Mansfield. By all accounts the Chairboys' display last weekend was a real shocker so they could either be drained of confidence ahead of their visit to Oxford, or (more likely) seeking a response. Similar to last week's opponents Torquay, Wycombe's matches have so far been low-scoring affairs, with just three goals scored in their league matches (and only one of those for Wycombe). But with United so far having scored nine times and conceded three in our opening three league games, that record could be about to change.

Wycombe are likely to hand a debut to 20-year-old midfielder Billy Knott who joined on loan from Sunderland during the week, while striker Paris Cowan-Hall is likely to miss out with medial ligament damage sustained last week. Captain Stuart Lewis is another absentee, currently serving a suspension after getting sent off in Wycombe's defeat to Wimbledon.

Sean Rigg will be a big miss for Oxford after tearing his hamstring at Plainmoor last week, which will keep him out of the side for six to eight weeks, but we will be boosted by the return of Alfie Potter and Dave Kitson after the batterings they've received in recent matches. The absence of Rigg means that Callum O'Dowda could get a run of games in his place, having impressed hugely during pre-season. Of course, last weekend Chris Wilder chose to replace him with Asa Hall and he got his name on the scoresheet, which certainly provides some food for thought. Whoever gets the nod against Wycombe would seem most likely to feature in Wilder's plans over the coming weeks.

As you might expect with two clubs that are separated by just 30 miles, there are several familiar faces in the two sides. Foremost among those is Jon-Paul Pittman, who spent the last two seasons at the Kassam after joining from...Wycombe. His time at the club was ravaged with injury and as a result we never saw the best of him and he made just 12 appearances in all competitions during that time. Another name on the Wycombe teamsheet that will conjure some (mostly negative) memories for United fans is Dean Morgan. His brief spell on loan at the Kassam Stadium was characterised mostly by his prima donna antics and most were relieved to see the back of him when he finally left the club. Scott Davies also has a Wycombe link; the Aylesbury-born midfielder was in Wycombe's (now-defunct) Academy until he was sold to Reading aged 14 and also spent some time on loan at Adams Park in the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons, making a total of 27 appearances in all competitions and scoring six goals.

Wycombe's visit to Grenoble Road last season is one we'd rather not remember as the Chairboys ran out comfortable 1-0 winners after an insipid Oxford performance. In fact, we've only beaten Wycombe once at the Kassam Stadium when Ramon Diaz oversaw a 2-1 home victory with goals from Jamie Brooks and Steve Basham. However, it's not all bad. Our last visit to Wycombe was a very happy one indeed, as United put on an imperious performance to beat the Chairboys 3-1, having lost the previous six away league games. Proof indeed that when these two sides meet, form goes out of the window.

ALSO: Don't forget that this match is Yellow Army Flag Day! If you own an Oxford United flag it's your job this weekend to bring it, hang it up at the stadium or wave it as they players come out. Don't have one? That's no problem! The Yellow Army will be selling flags outside the 12^th Man Bar tomorrow, or if you have a bit of spare time on your hands, why not make one?

From the Vaults

Wycombe Wanderers v Oxford United, 11^th November 2006

18 matches into our first season in the Conference and still unbeaten, having just beaten title rivals Dagenham & Redbridge away in the preceding qualifying round, optimism was high going into this match. However, it just wasn't meant to be on the day and after matching Wycombe for much of the game the higher league side's clinical finishing proved the difference between the two teams.

You can find this and many other old OUFC matches in our NEW & IMPROVED VIDEO VAULT!

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