5 of the Best Oxford Comebacks

In the world of football what's better than winning? Winning against the odds, of course. There is little sweeter than snatching something from a game when all appeared lost, particularly if it happens to come right at the end of the match. So we thought we'd trawl our Youtube archives to bring you some of the finest comebacks engineered by various Oxford United sides through the years. Enjoy!

5-2 v Leeds United, 24^th November 1984

The mighty yellows had started the season well and already had their eye on the Division Two title when fifth-placed Leeds came to the Manor for the first ever league encounter between the two clubs. Leeds, for their part, were looking for revenge after being dumped out of the League Cup by Oxford the previous season and raced to a two-goal lead. Gary Briggs pulled a goal back before half-time to reignite hopes of a result but few could have predicted what would follow after the break. Billy Hamilton equalised almost immediately after the restart before John Aldridge stole the show with an incredible hat-trick.

5-5 v Portsmouth, 3^rd November 1995

As this match entered the final 20 minutes it appeared that Oxford would be on the end of a thrashing, having been completely dominated by Portsmouth for the majority of the game. In fact, they could have scored more than the five they did manage if not for an impressive display of goalkeeping from Paul Reece but they were nevertheless 3-0 up with half an hour played and it looked like things might get embarrassing. Dave Penney pulled one back but hopes of a comeback were shortlived as we shipped another at the other end, though Jim Magilton volleyed home to reduce the deficit to two goals once again. United looked to be dead and buried when Pompey made it 5-2 and when John Durnin netted a third Oxford goal in the 73^rd it looked little more than a consolation. Magilton converted a penalty in injury time to bring it back to 5-4 and immediately from the restart Chrissy Allen seized on a rebound to cap a remarkable comeback as the yellows snatched a point.

2-1 v York City, 8^th August 2009

The summer of 2009 was filled with promise as Chris Wilder rebuilt the side ready for a promotion challenge. Hopes were high going into the opening day clash with York but as the match entered the final minutes things had fallen a little flat. York deservedly led 1-0 after Richard Brodie broke free and were looking assured as United struggled to get into sort of rhythm during the game. Then, on 88 minutes, Matt Green was put through by Luke Foster and flicked over the goalkeeper to equalise. But the drama wasn't over there and with the game now into injury time Mark Creighton came up for a corner to fire in after chaos in the penalty area.

2-1 v Crawley Town, 1^st December 2009

The 2009-10 season had drama aplenty but few matches could have topped this one. United were 1-0 down and struggling at the Broadfield Stadium after falling behind on 15 minutes. In desperation Chris Wilder chucked on James Constable, Alfie Potter and Onome Sodje late in the game in an attempt to reverse his side's fortunes but still it looked like we would be going home empty-handed. Then, with seven minutes left to play, Adam Chapman levelled the scores and Oxford were looking ascendant. When James Constable won a penalty deep in injury time it appeared the comeback was complete but he saw his spot-kick saved. It seemed we'd have to be content with a point, until Chapman crossed for Constable to ghost in in the 92^nd minute.

3-3 v Accrington Stanley, 1^st December 2012

Late action was the order of the day in this goal-fest last season. United seemed to have thrown it away when Jon-Paul Pittman's opener was cancelled out before the break and when James Beattie gave the hosts the lead with a wonder-goal ten minutes from time it appeared Oxford would be sent crashing out of the FA Cup. Alfie Potter played in James Constable to level just six minutes later but any plans for the replay were put on hold when Lee Molyneux curled in a free-kick in stoppage time. But up stepped Michael Raynes to save the day as he headed in in the 94^th minute to keep the yellows hanging on by the skin of their teeth in the tie, just seconds before the final whistle.

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League Two Preview 2013-14

With the new season fast approaching most of the transfer business throughout the Football League should now be done and dusted. We all have a good idea of the comings and goings in the Oxford United squad but how do we fare when it comes to the other clubs in the league? If you are anything like me you will have seen the odd piece of transfer news but don't really know what has gone on during the summer at the other clubs in our division (old and new).

At a glance, there are two teams whose transfer activity really stands out - for very different reasons! Plymouth have brought in eleven new players, while Hartlepool have added just one. This in itself sends out a message to each of the other League Two clubs. Plymouth are obviously looking to make a serious push for promotion and reclaim their place in the third tier of English football at the third time of asking. Hartlepool, on the other hand, are either very content with the squad they already have or are financially in a tight situation. In contrast to their one signing they have let eight players go from last season either via the transfer market or due to contracts not being renewed. This leaves them needing to sign seven players just to make up the shortfall from last season's relegated League One squad. Of course, in the end it makes no difference how many players you do or don't sign, if the results don't come on the pitch during that 90 minutes it's going to be very long and and stressful season!

Out of all the signings that have been made by all the clubs there are a few that stand out as those marquee signings and a couple that will have that 'one to watch' tag attached to them.

Rory Delap
Ex-Republic Of Ireland international Delap has joined Burton on a one-year deal from Stoke after being released. He is predominantly a midfield player but can also ply his trade in defence and is famous for his long throws, having been touted to represent Ireland at the Olympics after these throw-ins were noticed during Stoke's promotion winning season. He is known for his fitness and work-rate during games and is sure to be one of those calming influences in the centre of the park. Able to break up play and and hold the ball up well he will be a valuable asset to Burton, who just failed to make the promotion grade last season.

Gary Deegan

Gary Deegan has enjoyed football at clubs such as Bohemians, Coventry and Hibernian. He is another midfield player with real quality who was a fans' favourite at Hibs. He joins Northampton Town on a one year deal after a successful trial period and will be looking to help the Cobblers recreate the successful season they had last time around after narrowly missing out on promotion to League One in the play-off final.


Richard Cresswell

Cresswell is another one of the old and bold in the league this season. He was pivotal in helping York avoid relegation towards the back end of last season, scoring twice in five appearances. A forward having played a lot of his career at Premier League and Championship teams such as Leicester, Preston, Leeds and most noticeably Stoke with Delap he will add a wealth of experience to a York side who struggled last season.



Sander Puri (One to watch)
25-year-old Sander is a relative unknown in the world of English football having played the majority of his football abroad  so far. The Estonian international who has 52 senior caps to his name started his professional career at the age of 19 at one of Estonia's biggest clubs, FC Levadia Tallinn. He was close to signing with German Bundesliga team Borussia Dortmund twice in 2008 and Scottish Premier League club Celtic in 2009. The winger subsequently went on to sign for fellow SPL club St. Mirren in March 2013 until the end of the season before signing for York City on a two year contract in June.

Predicting the outcome of the season is always a tricky one to call, but I think the likes of Northampton, Burton, and Cheltenham know what it takes to reach that play off position and with them all strengthening their squads it would surprise me if they didn't have a good season again. From the four teams that have come down from League One I'm expecting Portsmouth to have a half-decent season (as much as it pains me to say it!). I also think Scunthorpe were unlucky not to avoid the drop last year and with them adding nine new faces to the squad they already have they will have a good season.

As we all know though our league is a tough one. The teams that have came down shouldn't think they will go straight back up and that they will 'walk' the league. The two newcomers from the Conference will have a difficult time cementing the place they have earned. Newport have added some familiar faces with Football League knowledge to their team sheet and Mansfield have been there and done it and know exactly what is required by a Football League team. Both will work hard I'm sure, but sometimes it takes more than blood, sweat and tears, sometimes you need a little bit of good old lady luck!

For those interested you can find all the coming and goings within the league here. It's fairly comprehensive but it doesn't take into account youngsters who have turned pro - they will ultimately add something to the team if played.

Follow @andywilmer

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PREVIEW: York City Home (23/02/13)

Oxford return to the ploughed field that is Kassam Stadium looking for their first win on their own mud since New Year's Day. That was also the last time that opponents York City won a match, so one of those runs has to come to an end – unless it's a draw of course.

This of course is the first time York have come to the Kassam since the Conference days and they appeared to have settled in nicely to life back in the Football League, hovering comfortably in mid-table for most of the season. But with the turn of the year came a suicidal loss of form, with the Minstermen taking just seven points from a possible 27 in 2013. They come into this match looking for their first win eight matches after a disappointing home defeat against Barnet that has set alarm bells ringing in North Yorkshire and put manager Gary Mills under pressure.

He looks set to make several changes to his side ahead of their trip to the Kassam, in contrast to Chris Wilder, who will be looking forward to having the rare opportunity to field a settled side. Jame Constable and Tom Craddock must surely start up front after impressing at Plymouth but there could be changes in midfield as Andy Whing regains match sharpness. The biggest news on the injury front is, of course, the return to fitness of Michael Duberry after missing the last three weeks with a hamstring injury. He will be available for selection but it's unlikely that he will be thrown straight back into action from the start, so expect to see him on the bench. Alfie Potter and Tony Capaldi will also return after illness ruled them out last weekend.

Also worth mention is that tomorrow is Military Day at OUFC. Those in the armed forces who come in uniform get free entry as well as discounts for their family. There will be a flight simulator outside the ground, the Abingdon Military Wives Choir will sing before the game and the British Legion will form the guard of honour. Good stuff.

Oxford fans of course will have plenty of happy memories involving York City, after Wembley 2010. But it wasn't such a happy occasion the last time the two sides met, when York inflicted our first league defeat of the season on a disastrous afternoon for the U's. We'll be hoping for revenge this time around.

Further reading: The depressingly familiar debate of the moment at York City.

From the Vaults

Oxford United v York City, 8^th August 2009

The last time York came to the Kassam Stadium was on the opening day of the 2009-10 season. Hopes were high after Chris Wilder's summer rebuilding job and a large crowd turned out expecting to see Oxford get off to a good start. What they saw instead was a disjointed performance and York deservedly led as the final whistle approached. Cue a crazy last few minutes as United's topsy-turvy season kicked off in style...

You can find this and many other old Oxford matches in our Video Vault.

Also This Weekend

The A420 derby comes to Oxford once again at youth level this weekend, as our all-conquering youth team welcome that scummy lot from Swindon to Roman Way. The young U's have already beaten Swindon twice this season – both away from home – 1-0 in the league back in December and 4-1 in a League Cup match.

On Monday evening the U17 apprentice side go to Havant & Waterlooville in the Conference Youth Alliance looking to build on their 3-0 win over Dover last week.

And it's a huge weekend for the ladies team, who play their first ever match at the Kassam Stadium in their first ever FA Cup fourth-round tie against Newcastle United. The match kicks off at 13:00 on Sunday with adult tickets at £5. The ladies reserves are also in action on Sunday and it's a big weekend for them too, as they play what could be a title decider against Reading Ladies. The two sides are level on points at the top of the table, but Reading have a game in hand so a win for our girls this weekend is essential if they are to keep their place at the top of the league.

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PREVIEW: York City Away (01/09/12)

Oxford return to Yorkshire for the second time in a week with the hope of a better outcome, as they resume their League Two campaign against York City for the first time since the Conference play-off final in 2010. York returned to the Football League via the Wembley route with victory over Luton Town, after an eight-year non-league exile.

Cult Hero: Martin Foyle

With Port Vale the next visitors to Grenoble Road this Saturday, we turn our attention to a well-known veteran of both clubs: Martin Foyle. Foyle is a legendary figure at Port Vale (he is their post-war record goalscorer and later went on to manage the club), but he also made over 150 appearances and scored 44 goals for Oxford before he was sold to Port Vale. More recently he was manager of York City on that fateful day at Wembley last May, at the same time creating an unusual space for himself in the history books of Oxford United.