Oxford United 2 - 1 Plymouth Argyle

An improved Plymouth Argyle team to the one seen last season took to the field on this wet Saturday afternoon.One thousand Argyle fans made their way up from the south for this encounter in the hope they will get their first three points of the new season, and first goal. As for Oxford, they sat top of the table without conceding a goal, it was a dream start.

The opening exchanges saw little in terms of goal-mouth action, a Tom Craddock drive that narrowly flew over the bar was as close as either team came to breaking the deadlock.

Sean Rigg's crosses have been excellent throughout the opening games, so when he won the ball back on the wing it was assumed a good cross was to follow. He did not disappoint; with the ball rolled in to Craddock's  feet he helped it on to Smalley who smashed it in from three yards. It was one nil to Oxford.

They say you're most vulnerable just after scoring; this wasn't the case for Oxford. Three minutes later Alfie Potter spotted a gap, with options to his left and right he picked out Dean Smalley, busting a gut to get in position, his pass was deep but Dean did enough to slot it through Keeper, Cole's legs. The desire shown by Smalley makes him unrecognisable from the man of last year.

A handful of chances braced Oxford towards the end of the half, but none were taken. Smalley could have had a hat-trick. As for Argyle, they had a goal disallowed but no major chances.

The half-time gave time for wounds to be healed, drinks to be taken on and the managers to dish out words of constructive criticism. Unfortunately both Smalley and Forster-Caskey picked up knocks in the first period and were unable to continue. They gave way to James Constable and Simon Heslop.

The U's looked a different team in the second half. A two goal lead seemed to content them. The flowing moves seen in the first half diminished and Plymouth found themselves creeping back into the match.

Few chances were created by either team in this match, so it wasn't a surprise the goal came from a set-piece. Adam Chapman's late challenge gave Robbie Williams the chance to bury a free-kick. The wall almost disintegrated and the guarded part of Ryan Clarke's goal was where the ball creeped in. The goal provoked change; a tiring Tom Craddock was off, JP Pittman was on.

Oxford managed to see the game out. After this match however you couldn't help but feel disappointment at the second half performance and the conceded goal. But, a win is a win and Oxford sit happy on top of League two.

Attendance: 6,906
Man of the Match: Dean Smalley
Match Rating: ***
Referee Rating: **** - An excellent performance by the man in charge today. Allowed the game to flow throughout; a majority of his decisions were correct. Played advantage which lead to first Oxford goal.