There was no shortage of controversy on this mild January afternoon as Oxford took on a struggling Hereford. The Bulls form has started to pick up after a slow start to the campaign and with Oxford's defeat to Crewe, Hereford should be feeling quietly confident. The turning down of a midweek offer linking a move to Swindon for Oxford hotshot James Constable has left the striker with a great deal of respect from his team mates and fans, the supporters making their voices heard, the chant "Beano" ringing out before the match.It was Oxford who made the better start, some neat football produced, but with no end product, which has been the story for most of the season so far. Now, I don't like to blow my own trumpet, but when JP Pittman was 30 yards out with not many options, I feel my inspirational "SHOOT!" contributed to his decision making. And shoot he did. A drill into the bottom left corner any striker would be proud of sent 6,300 Oxford fans nuts.
Michael Duberry will remember this match for all the wrong reasons. His first blunder was on 32mins when an impressive run from Colbeck down the right hand side was finished off with a deadly cross into the 6 yard box, Duberry could do little about it other than slide the ball into the back of the Oxford net. Michael looked devastated but determined to make amends.
The rest of the first half mainly consisted of the Oxford wingers whipping in fantastic balls that the likes of Constable and Pittman failed to convert. Alfie Potter's desire is commendable but he continues his bad form, Chris Wilder keeps faith in the youngster but the Yellow's fans are fast running low on it. It's a shame that earlier in the season the skilful young prospect Andy Howarth sustained an injury, Oxford look like a team lacking an exciting player.During the second half the referee was the centre of much controversy. Two worthy penalty appeals for Oxford were turned down, nine times out of ten you'd see one of them given, but that wasn't the case as nor linesman or referee saw foul play. In my opinion, if that's anywhere outside the box, it's a foul, so why not in the box? Inconsistency from the officials. Oxford continued to make chances and looked like the club that was going to take all three points until Potter went off for new signing Oli Johnson, after this substitution was made the game lacked tempo and rapidity. However The U's continued to create chances, Simon Heslop forcing a phenomenal save from in form Hereford keeper, Bartlett. Chris Wilder then decided to take off play-maker Heslop, a decision I'm still trying to get to grips with. If anyone doubted Oxford were lacking tempo they certainly were now. An Oxford United corner saw Hereford break down the right, a good cross into the area was diverted into the net from none other than Michael Duberry. The travelling Hereford fans celebrated like there was no tomorrow, three points here today would help their push for safety.
The rate Oxford fans flooded out the stadium must have been a new record, but for those that stayed were in for a gripping finale. Corner after corner came for Wilder's men until one met Craddock, who layed it off to Duberry who slotted home with a right footed strike into the corner. Michael Duberry now had the imperfect hat-trick. However, no time for celebrations. The U's re-grouped and piled everyone forward, with the atmosphere at a high a ball forward to Constable left the striker with a free header! It was all set up for him, the transfer speculation, the last minute winner, the goal drought, but he headed wide.
As the ref blew for full time I can't help but feel these last two matches have been five points dropped for Oxford, if we want to challenge for an automatic promotion spot/play offs, we've got to take more of our chances. The next match is a six pointer, Burton sit two places below the Yellows, a win there will take the weight off many involved with Oxford United. As for Hereford they can be happy with a point, although disappointed to concede so late on, every point is precious when you're low in League 2, this could count for a lot towards the end of the season.Attendance: 6,630
Man of the Match: Simon Heslop - Proved himself as a creative footballer today, keeping many big names out the team.
Ref: Williamson - Some dreadful decisions today, although kept the game running for as long as possible.
Match rating: ***