Oxford United 2 - 4 Exeter City

An immediate response cancelled out this goal. A controversial penalty was awarded, giving Jake Forster-Caskey the chance to get a goal back for Oxford. He didn't disappoint.

An impressive 695 made the journey up from Exeter for a clash that was last played a good five years ago in the play-off semi-finals; it was Exeter who came off the better then, and it would be Exeter who come off the better today.

With the opening exchanges showing signs of promise for The Yellows it was Exeter who grabbed the first goal. With plenty of time to pick his spot, Cureton lashed it into the top corner.

The linesman seemed to have trouble spotting a couple offsides after this, so when Ryan Clarke prevented the ball from going for a corner, the linesman thought otherwise and awarded the corner. From the resulting decision Exeter were able to double their lead, a bullet header from Bennett left Clarke helpless and Oxford fans infuriated.

As the half grew older it was clear where this Oxford tram needed strengthening; out wide. Sean Rigg failed to produce the crosses which had attracted Wilder to him, with Batt facing similar problems. As for Exeter,, with Cureton leading the attack and a stern defence on display they can be pleased. Contrastingly, the officials were met with deserved jeers from the home crowd.

Five minutes had passed in the second period before Cureton got his second and Exeter's third. He was too quick for Raynes and guided it past Clarke.


With the crowd rejuvenated Oxford pushed on, created chances, and eventually got a second on 63 minutes through a free-kick, the ball whipped in by Chapman created problems for Goalkeeper, Krysiak who flapped leaving an open net which Potter headed into.

Only a goal down now the fans started to believe, the players started to believe. However, the final touch was missing, Smalley had the best chance, but his header went over from five yards out. Then a sublime ball from Exeter's, Bauza split United's defence and fed O'Flynn through for a one-on-one situation with Clarke, he buried it on the bottom corner.

With twenty minutes still on the clock it wasn't totally out of sight. But when James Constable received a second yellow card for a soft challenge, the game was over.

This defeat can be looked at as completely the officials fault, but Oxford must give credit to a strong Exeter side, who looked equipped in every department on the pitch today. A club which made many transfers in the window looked like a team bound together for years. As for Oxford, this is a match to forget in many respects. Perhaps a cup hangover? Just an off-day? There were positives to take however, the football played at points was promising and Chapman linked up play very well.

Attendance: 6,548
Man of the Match: Adam Chapman - Despite tiring late on, he was composed throughout and led by example.
Match Rating: ****
Referee Rating: * - And the reason he gets one star is because one of his linesmen did well.