On a soaking November evening I made the trip down to Underhill, The Football League's smallest ground, and due to the failure of matching Football League standards; Barnet are to relocate next season. 600 Oxford fans made the journey along with myself to North London for an exciting game of football. After the 2-0 triumph at Underhill earlier this season in the FA Cup, a win would've looked on the cards for Oxford, however, this is a side lacking in cofidence, a side slipping towards the wrong end of the table.
Chris Wilder made one change going into tonight's game; Tony Capaldi replaced Liam Davis. With Tom Craddock and Jake Forster-Caskey still out of action it was going to make the task harder.
The match had barely started flowing before Barnet grabbed the first goal of the game. Hyde leapt highest to loop the ball with his head into the far corner. Oxford are yet to win a game this season by coming from a losing position.
There was an immediate reply though by Sean Rigg. The United striker drilled home Constable's knock down into the bottom corner. And we were back at level-pegging after just six exciting minutes.
Chances were created by both sides leading up to half time, with Oxford coming closest in a match where more goals were definitely on the cards.
Straight after half time, Peter Leven whipped in a cross which Andy Whing nodded in for his first Oxford goal. A very important goal since Oxford have a reputation of failing to convert chances.
As the rain poured, Oxford began to lack a cutting edge. Alfie Potter's ability to take on an opponent seems to have detriorated and Peter Leven failed to change a game like he so often has.
Barnet capitalised. With twenty minutes left Hyde was there again to knock in a fierce ball across the box by Peter Holmes. The Oxford fans were fuming, Barnet fans jubilant.
Chances were becoming more prominent for both teams as the game was drawing to a close. Barnet had a chance to snatch all three points but saw a goal disallowed for offside, and a shot just past the post. An indirect freekick on the six yard line posed the biggest oppotunity for The Yellows. But the best chance was the last attack of the game as Johnny Mullins saw his header hit the post, trickle across the line, and hit the other post. How that didn't go in bewilders me.
So, Oxford shared the spoils in a game they should really be winning. It's hard to see on recent form how Oxford will achieve anything positive this year.
Attendance: 1,600 (600 Oxford)
Man of the Match: Johhny Mullins - Did his job expertly.
Match Rating: **** - Either team could've won it by the end.
Referee Rating: **** - Got most of the decisions correct with one or two exceptions.
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