PL: Wigan Athletic 3-2 Reading

My friends laughed at me when I said I was going all the way up north to watch my second team, Wigan, play Reading. 'A rubbish game' they said, 'El Crappico' they bellowed. After that match, lets just say, they haven't asked me how the game was.

The reason for the journey to Manchester is because my friend, Sam, is for some reason a Reading fan.With myself supporting Wigan we had planned this day if Reading were to get promoted last season; they did, and so it was, we were going to the exotic Wigan on a soggy November afternoon.

Reading fans have been renowned for their bad atmosphere and lack of chanting. I was hoping to prove the doubters wrong on my trip up there and experience the level of decibels heard at the Kassam every other weekend. From this match what I can conclude is that the chant 'You only sing when you're winning' definitely applies to Reading fans. It was disappointing.

So the game got under way, and with our seats positioned relatively low, we were hopeful that an appearance on Match of the Day was imminent.

The difference in styles of play from what I'm used to seeing in League 2 is noticeable to say the least. Each player that gets the ball, TURNS! The movement was the most impressive thing though, maybe not from Reading, but from Wigan certainly.

The first goal was nodded in by Reading's centre back Morrison after half an hour of football. I was sat in the Reading end; Sam went hysterical and I showed my happiness for them, whilst feeling rather ill inside. And at one nil it stayed.

My experience of a Premier League game at this point had been very positive. I'd been surprised at the atmosphere from both sets of fans, the quality of football, the respect each team had for one another, but not the price of a burger.

As the second half got under way it was all Wigan as they attacked towards the Reading end. Federici produced a great save early on, but ten minutes later he could only parry to Jordi Gomez, who fired in from close range. A hugely important goal.

This certainly perked up the Wigan fans and their continued support noticeably boosted the home side. Now, something fundamentally important is man marking. Arouna Kone, the 3mil summer signing for The Latics was on top form, perhaps this was the reason he was always in acres of space, but Reading did look shabby at the back. It was his ball out wide to Jean Bausejour which lead to a cross which Gomez was able to nod in, past Federici. It was 2-1.

I said to Sam before Reading equalized that they needed a miracle to get back into this. And they did, with just ten minutes left Ali Al Habsi, a usually reliable goalkeeper fumbled a looping blocked shot into the back of the net. Reading had a lifeline. And with a couple of penalty appeals the tide of the match may just have been turning.

Look, it may sound like I am making this up, but I predicted there was going to be a last minute winner from someone. And what would you know! A beautifully constructed swift break gave Gomez the chance to net a winner. he didn't disappoint and it was 3-2! An epic match.

And that proved to be the final action of the game, the final whistle came with one or two boo's from Reading fans, with some talking about McDermott's future outside the DW.

And there it was, the end of my first Premier League match. As Sam and I ran desperately back through the raining streets of Wigan for our train there was something that made me feel quite mortal, I'd seen a gme in the league that is so profoundly loved throughout the world, I'd savoured the atmosphere, the football, there was a sense of nostalgia in the air.

And so as the fans of Wigan prepare for their next home game against Manchester City on Wednesday, I prepare for Oxford's next home game against Aldershot. I couldn't be happier.

Away Day - Barnet 2 - 2 Oxford United

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.

Oxford United 5 - 0 Accrington Stanley

On Monday night Oxford looked like a team recently woven together, there was no cohesion about them; no togetherness. It was a different story today as Accrington came to the Kassam on the back of two defeats and slipping out of the play-off places. Tom Craddock said after the match that the start Oxford enjoyed can was "like a false start", but with today's result, The Yellows look to be back underway with their push for promotion.

Oxford tend to start games brightly, and today was no different. With just twelve minutes on the clock Tom Craddock striked, hoisting the ball into the back of the net, starting what would prove to be a prolific day for the Oxford striker.

Ian Dunbavin was Stanley's man of the match. He misjudged a back pass however in the twenty third minute, allowing Craddock to pick his spot and slot the ball past his near post.

James Constable looks to be finding his form which has been in abundance recently. A goal would have done him good but today Dunbavin came out on top. From one of his rebounded shots Craddock was on hand to blast into the roof of the net. A first half hat-trick for Craddock, and three goals for United!

The Stanley defence was poor. As for the strikeforce, they had very few chances to force the issue, yet struck the post just coming up to half time.

Unfortunately a more lenient Oxford United approached the second half. The fans, very rarely relaxed, were.  And the style of football followed. Although Accrington hit the bar it was simple for Oxford, and they played with confidence.

Craddock became the first person to score four in a game for Oxford in twenty years when he wrong-footed Dunbavin to put the icing on the cake.

The fifth came from Alfie Potter, who by his standards had a quiet night. Some slick football left Potter on the receiving end of a Peter Leven chip. He nestled it between a dumbfound Dunbavin's legs.

The final whistle couldn't come sooner for Stanley whose 96 travelling fans sang their hearts out the entire game. It's hard to believe they sit in the upper half of the table considering this was the worst team seen at the Kassam in a long while.

Oxford on the other hand needed this. Chris Wilder needed this. Tom Craddock needed this. Let's hope this will be the catalyst in a Christmas surge Oxford normally encounter.

Attendance: 5,403

Man of the Match: Tom Craddock - His four goal haul more than doubled his tally for the season. Although he owes much of his success to Constable

Match Rating: *****

Referee Rating: Deadman - Nothing controversial to deal with.

Oxford United 3 - 2 AFC Wimbledon

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.

Oxford United 0 - 2 Bradford City

Between my last report and this The Yellows had failed to record a single point, resulting in a four match losing streak. So Oxford would be hoping to put all that behind them as they welcome a lively bunch of Bradford fans down from Yorkshire. Oxford are happy to welcome back talisman Peter Leven from a long term injury, however, Adam Chapman becoming injured in training leaves the U's still short of fit players. Tony Capaldi was consequently pushed into centre midfield with O'Brien making his first appearance at left-back for the club.

As the game got under way there was a definite anticipation amongst the Oxford fans, the feeling that we needed a win, not a great performance, just the three points.

The opening exchanges saw nothing in the way of chances, with both teams seemingly lacking ambition. Ryan Clarke had a scare when he misjudged coming out for the ball, but got away with it. That was as much action  to be seen in the first half which can be described as unimaginative and boring. The 4-3-3 routine formation constantly used by Wilder has become an annoyance amongst fans and something needed to change in the second period.

The second half started as the first had finished; slowly. Bradford scored their first goal from a corner, a bullet header by Davies left Oxford's spirits dampened.

A response was needed by Oxford; an injection of pace by Potter, perhaps a whipped ball into the box by Batt. However, a drab Oxford side created nothing. This led the way for Bradford to capitalise, a shot tipped round the post by Clarke led to a corner which once again they scored from.

Boo's began to ring out in corners of the Kassam Stadium as conflicting views of Wilder became evident. And when James Constable finally got a shot away with five minutes left to play ironic cheers reverberated around the ground.

I left the ground reflecting on a horrendous Oxford performance. And with coming fixtures giving The Yellows no sympathy its hard to see when this losing streak will end. I now find myself joining the 'Wilder Out' club as his predictable set-up see's no end and his summer transfers have not lived up to expectation. But the injury concerns are out of his hands, however, a good manager would surely cope despite the unforeseen problems.

Attendance: 6,032
Man of the Match: Peter Leven - Good to have him back.
Match rating: *
Referee Rating: *** - Unfairly booked James Constable, but other than that had a fairly uneventful game.

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.

Oxford United 1 - 0 Swindon Town

It was derby day in this Johnstone's Paint Trophy first round tie as Oxford looked for their third win in a year against their high-flying local rivals Swindon Town. The pre-match build up was mainly dominated by the rumours that Oxford boss, Chris Wilder, could be departing to Coventry.

As the game got under way it was clear this was going to be a match that would require a stern defensive performance from centre backs Michael Raynes and Jake Wright.

With both sets of fans singing their hearts out it was a cracking atmosphere, but it was Swindon who had the clearer of the openings. Twice opportunities came for the team in red, but both times they were wasted and the attempts didn't even hit the target.

Going into half time the defenders had proceeded with their duty excellently, stopping all Swindon attacks and limiting the chances to a minimum.

After the break both teams lacked pace on the wings. The introduction of Alfie Potter for Oxford failed to inject the extra pace needed and the fans were becoming slightly frustrated.

But it was Swindon who looked the most likely of the two sides to break the deadlock in the tight derby affair. Only a set piece or a lucky break, could be seen as the only way Oxford were going to get a goal.

As various scuffles amongst fans began to break out they became the main centre of attention as the match flattened.

However, with eighty-eight minutes on the clock and penalties looming large, two Town defenders collided. James Constable stole the ball and delivered the perfect ball into the box for Alfie Potter to side-foot home.

The stadium erupted and I found myself pushed to the floor as fans bundled on top of one another, celebrating the goal.

The atmosphere in the ground was special tonight. This was merely the first round of The Johnstone's Paint Trophy, but from the atmosphere it felt like the final. It was the atmosphere only found when a match between Oxford and Swindon takes place.

A fantastic effort by Oxford United means the bragging rights stay firmly at the east end of the A420.

Attendance: 7,746
Man of the Match: Jake Wright - Phenomenal performance by Jake, he kept the prolific strikers quiet.
Match Rating: *****
Referee Rating: ** - It was always going to be tough for the man in charge tonight but most fouls were soft.

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.

Oxford United 2 - 0 Southend United

Coming into this match Oxford were full of confidence; a surprise win against Bournemouth and an away win to Bristol Rovers were perfect preparation for tonight's game. The opposite can be said for Southend as defeats in the cup and the loss to a weak Accrington Stanley side have left them in serious need of getting some points on the board.

Oxford started brightly, playing with confidence passes were stringed together, however, producing no final product.

As the half grew older some passes became lazier, and the wings were not utilised as much as we had seen in the opening passage. The match was becoming bittier, so when Southend's Timlin was sent off after what can only be described as a soft second bookable offence it was just what was needed to spring Oxford back into life.

Chances towards the end of the half became more frequent for The Yellows as Dean Smalley's shot went inches past the post and Sean Rigg's header produced a fine save from the on-form Belford.

Oxford can reflect on the half with little positivity but with the knowledge of knowing where to make their extra man count and reignite the passing flare we had seen so early in the first. As for Southend, a message to their strikers must be to try and avoid the offside trap which had been such a common factor in their first half.

Oxford needed more width in the second half, so Tom Craddock replaced Lee Cox to accommodate this. And what an impact he made, within ten minutes of coming on Damian Batt produced a rare perfect cross which Tom coolly flicked in with the outside of his boot to the far corner. It's one nil.

From here on Oxford played with a confidence rarely seen at the Kassam. For once it felt we really had wrapped this up and the crowd could almost relax. Southend were tiring with ten men, allowing more openings for Oxford. The U's could have had a stack more goals, Alfie Potter hitting the post, Batt getting into good positions with no end product, Smalley, who deserved a goal for his performance couldn't find the back of the net.

But it was Tom Craddock again who found the back of the net. He took on the tiring Cresswell and slotted the pall past a Belford who had had little help from his defence. Two nil now and the three points were theirs.

This result was the least the home side deserved and have broken the losing curse to their bogey team, Southend.

Attendance: 6,001 (290 from Southend)
Man of the Match: Alfie Potter
Match Rating: ****
Referee Rating: **** - The sending off was soft, apart from that let the game flow very well.