It was the worst run of Chris Wilder's reign at Oxford United. Six defeats from six meant The U's were heading to the wrong end of the table. As the murmurs of 'Wilder Out' loudened this was a must win game for Chris who could have been looking for a new job come Monday morning. However, new Oxford chairman Ian Lenaghan has declared he will only judge wilder when the team is at full strength. That could be a while. AFC Wimbledon however have already gone ahead and sacked long-term boss Terry Brown who gained them four straight promotions; a bit harsh in my opinion.
This was a game from the off that produced many chances. Oxford had't touched the ball before Wayne Brown was brought into action to tip round the post. The resulting corner was far from convincingly dealt with. But it would be Oxford who got the early break; Jake Forster-Caskey looping a free kick over the wall and past goalkeeper Brown of Wimbledon. One nil to Oxford and I could feel a whole lot more comfortable. For ten minutes.
Eleven minutes after getting the first goal Oxford were pegged back through a goal mouth scramble that could only be found in the lower leagues. With Oxford failing to clear on multiple occasions, Harrison was there to nod the ball in.
United keeper Wayne Brown had been called in to replace Ryan Clarke, whose form had recently dipped. Against Rotherham Brown made a couple of faults, resulting in two goals. Arguably, the second Wimbledon goal was savable. From thirty-five yards Fenlon let strike and found the opposite bottom corner.
Inevitable boo's from the home fans followed with the odd 'Wilder Out' chant thrown in just to make sure the message was clear. Wayne Brown received a fair share of jeers as the sides went in for the break.
Simon Heslop, like most other Oxford players has been low on confidence, and on poor form. He was brought on at half-time, replacing Simon Cox. And it was Heslop who delivered an inspired ball into the box which failed to receive the deserved header from Potter, it was saved, but the rebound tapped in by Dean Smalley.
It was Oxford who piled on the pressure, but Wimbledon who had the better of the openings. A shot looped over Oxford keeper Wayne Brown, looking goal-bound, but finding the post. Brown was later subbed for Clarke to a standing ovation from the Oxford fans.
Times were growing hard for The Yellows, but there wasn't the usual, tense atmosphere in the stands, instead it was one of acceptance that we are not a team that can be challenging the top clubs of the league with such a bland line-up.
Luckily, the two Wimbledon centre backs were as bad as any seen at The Kassam in recent times. This allowed Tommy Craddock to drive a ball through the defence for an Alfie Potter tap in.
The action wasn't over there and in the last minute Ryan Clarke produced a save that wouldn't look out of place in the premier league. Wimbledon also hit the bar with seconds left on the clock.
Full time and Wimbledon must be absolutely devastated they have nothing to show for a hearty performance at the Kassam. As for Oxford, they didn't lose! I left the ground feeling very pleased.
Attendance: 5,206
Man of the Match: Sean Rigg - Produced some cracking crosses.
Match Rating: ****
Referee Rating: East - He had a fairly good game except for one or two late on decisions. Let the game flow very well.
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