5 of the Best Oxford Comebacks

We take a look back at five of the most spectacular comebacks available on the internet.

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The Curse of the Kassam?

A pair of articles examining Oxford's poor home form and speculating on the reasons why. In the first we lay the blame on the counter-attacking system. In the second, we examine the role of the home fans.

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The Future's Bright

Oxford's under-18s outclass their Swindon counterparts, leaving your writer purring over their future prospects in the first team.

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The Importance of Width in League Two

Why Sean Rigg and Alfie Potter's form will be essential to our hopes of League Two promotion this season.

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We'll Win Nothing With Kids?

We look at whether the young development squad players are ready to step up to first team action.

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Sunday 2 December 2012

Accrington Stanley 3-3 Oxford United: The Match in Tweets

Oxford managed to get their name into the hat for the third round draw of the FA Cup in dramatic circumstances with a 3-3 draw at Accrington Stanley. The two sides were level at 1-1 after 80 minutes, but a frantic final stage saw them share four goals and a 94th-minute equaliser for United from this season's scapegoat of choice, Michael Raynes. But it came at the cost of both JP Pittman and Andy Whing, both of whom had to be stretchered off having only recently recovered from long injury layoffs. And the remarkable events of the day were overshadowed by the death of Mitchell Cole at the tragically young age of 27. RIP Mitchell.

Friday 30 November 2012

PREVIEW: Accrington Away, FA Cup (01/12/12)

As far as FA Cup second round ties go, a trip to Accrington Stanley is probably among the least desirable. It's not just because of the lack of glamour surrounding our opponents, but also because it's another away trip up north (we have failed to pick up a point this season north of Oxford – that's six defeats from six league games) and it lacks even the appeal of being against a side from another division – it's just over a month since the two sides met at the Kassam.

Sunday 25 November 2012

MATCH REPORT: Oxford United 2-1 Northampton Town

This match had everything that we have been missing lately: exciting football, a positive result, and an excellent atmosphere. The mood in the two camps could hardly have been more different going into this game, Northampton – unbeaten in five before this match – fancied their chances, while Oxford had failed to win in four and were forced to field a much changed side.

Friday 23 November 2012

Ultimate Support Saturday

As the season has lurched from one disappointment to the next the mood amongst the fans has changed from alarm, to disgruntlement, and eventually to a state of apathy which has seen average attendances fall below 6,000 for the first time since we returned to the Football League. The expectation of success that has been an ever-present ever since Chris Wilder initially reversed the club's fortunes has dissipated quickly this season and with Oxford being one of the most expensive clubs to follow in League Two, can we really blame those thousands for staying away when the product on offer is so poor?

Wednesday 21 November 2012

MATCH REPORT: Barnet 2-2 Oxford United

Yet more disappointment for United fans in what is becoming a hugely underwhelming season. This time, we were held by basement side Barnet and George Elek was on-hand to report.

Tuesday 20 November 2012

MATCH REPORT: Chesterfield 2-1 Oxford United

United’s inconsistencies continued after they fell to a late, late defeat at the Proact Stadium. The home fans will have left the ground wondering how they managed to avoid defeat, let alone snatch a victory after witnessing a poor Chesterfield performance.

Thursday 15 November 2012

When Your Hobby Becomes a Chore

With crowds down by an alarming number so far this season (our average attendance this season is more than 1,000 below last season's average), Adam Brown writes of the increasing apathy that he and many others have been feeling for the club recently.

Friday 9 November 2012

PREVIEW: Torquay United Home (10/11/12)

Tuesday's disappointing defeat at the hands of Dagenham more or less killed any sense of optimism that had been building and with the side now slumped in 18th place it's not difficult to see why. This weekend's match against Torquay presents an important opportunity to recover from a poor performance for both sides, with Torquay also being out of form at the moment.

Wednesday 7 November 2012

MATCH REPORT: Oxford United 2-3 Dagenham and Redbridge

Just when it appeared as if we had turned a corner, we had to go and 'do an Oxford' and screw it up with a disappointing defeat at home to Dagenham & Redbridge. If wins against Wycombe and Barnet had provided ample reason to feel positive at last about this Oxford side, this performance against Dagenham was a stark reminder that we still have a long way to go if we want to reach the level that is expected and demanded.

Saturday 3 November 2012

PREVIEW: Barnet Away, FA Cup (03/11/12)

We face a short break now from the league and in some respects it is an unwelcome one, coming as it does on the back of last week's pleasing victory over Wycombe. In an ideal world, we would like another league game to build on that momentum, but progression in the cup brings its own kind of momentum.

Wednesday 31 October 2012

Oxford's All-Time Worst XI

Here's something that will give you nightmares this Halloween. We've scoured the archives for Oxford's worst ever players to put together the All-Time Worst Oxford XI – set up, naturally in everyone's favourite formation, the 5-3-2. Read it and weep.

Monday 29 October 2012

Wycombe Wanderers 1-3 Oxford United: The Match in Tweets

The U's responded to Tuesday's defeat at Rochdale in style, bagging an impressive 3-1 win over neighbours Wycombe in front of a sold out away end. James Constable began the scoring in the opening minutes and appears to have developed a healthy partnership with Tom Craddock, who doubled the lead at the start of the second half. Wycombe pulled a goal back through a penalty but it proved to be no more than a consolation as Johnny Mullins added the icing on the cake for our first 'M40 Derby' victory in seven years.

Saturday 27 October 2012

PREVIEW: Wycombe Wanderers Away (27/10/12)

Oxford will be attempting to avoid a seventh straight defeat on the road this weekend when they take the field at Wycombe's Adams Park. But with just 30 miles separating the two teams, and around 2,000 yellows making the short trip, perhaps the away day blues will be less pronounced this weekend.

Wednesday 24 October 2012

Rochdale 2-0 Oxford United: The Match in Tweets

In what is fast becoming a worrying trend Oxford again failed to build on a good win, returning Oxford fans to their usual state of misery with defeat at Rochdale – despite dominating the match from start to (almost) finish. After finally appearing to turn a corner with a 5-0 demolition of Accrington on Saturday (unfortunately we had no report on that match, typically!) it was back down to Earth with a bump on a miserable night at Spotland. Here's what you had to say about the game:

Saturday 20 October 2012

PREVIEW: Accrington Stanley Home (20/10/12)

Oxford are hoping for a speedy recovery from Monday's disappointing defeat to Port Vale, with Accrington the visitors at the Kassam. The temptation for some is to view home games against the smaller sides in the league as gimmes, but anyone who has watched our previous games with Accy will know that won't be the case. They're a good side and will come here looking for a win.

Friday 19 October 2012

Debunking the Injury Crisis

Back in March we asked the question 'Is Fitness a Problem for Oxford United?', and after a horrendous late-season collapse it was clear to all that it was indeed a problem – a major one. Measures were introduced in the summer to correct the situation but two months into the season we find ourselves 19th in the table and with the busiest treatment table in the country. Essentially, this raises two questions which need answers: 1) why, after the introduction of the much-vaunted fitness programme, are we still plagued by injuries? 2) Are injuries the sole reason for our poor season?

Tuesday 16 October 2012

MATCH REPORT: Port Vale 3-0 Oxford United

Hopes of an Oxford resurgence were cruelly dashed last night as the league's best attack unsurprisingly overcame one the of the league's worst defences by three goals to nil with the nation watching on through their TVs.

Monday 15 October 2012

PREVIEW: Port Vale Away (15/10/12)

Oxford travel to Port Vale for an unusual Monday night match against the league's second-placed side, just over a week after facing leaders Gillingham in our last league match. An impressive victory away at Cheltenham in the JPT has renewed a sense of optimism about this side, but Vale have only lost twice so far this season and will present a stern test.

Thursday 11 October 2012

Non-League Day Preview

Sky's decision to move our trip to Port Vale to Monday for TV has left us with a blank weekend. But never fear, there is still plenty of football in Oxfordshire this weekend for yellows fans to get their fix. This Saturday is the annual Non-League Day event, timed to coincide with the international break for the Premier League and Championship, and clubs the length and breadth of the country are preparing to celebrate the Non-League game. So, with that in mind, why not head down to your local Non-League club and get involved this weekend?

Wednesday 10 October 2012

Dave Langan - 'Running Through Walls'

By now I suspect that most Oxford fans are familiar with the tale of Dave Langan and his tragic fall from the very top of the game to the very bottom of society. His testimonial match at the Kassam last year certainly raised awareness of his plight locally and those who want to hear Dave's story straight from the horse's mouth can now do so following the publication of his autobiography, Running Through Walls.

MATCH REPORT: Banbury United 1-1 Frome Town

Banbury United have struggled so far this season, finding themselves second from bottom of the Southern League Premier after they were humiliated 8-1 by league leaders Stourbridge three weeks ago. They returned to the league against Frome Town after FA Trophy duty and looked all the better for their break from the grind of league football.

Monday 8 October 2012

MATCH REPORT: Yate Town 2-1 North Leigh

Yate Town seem to have become something of a jinx for Oxfordshire football clubs. After shocking Oxford City in the last round of the FA Cup, they then dispensed with North Leigh by the same scoreline.

Saturday 6 October 2012

MATCH REPORT: Oxford United 0-0 Gillingham

By Olly Howells,

After finally ending the horror run of September with a win against Wimbledon, Oxford headed into the game against Gillingham looking to build on that result, and that’s exactly what happened, with the U’s being the first side to take points from Gillingham on the road all season.

Friday 5 October 2012

PREVIEW: Gillingham Home (06/10/12)

Oxford's six-game losing streak finally came to an end on Tuesday against Wimbledon, but now league leaders Gillingham are in town to try and undo the good work from midweek. The match comes at exactly the wrong time for us to rebuild our fragile confidence, but if we can somehow get a result it could do wonders for our season.

Wednesday 3 October 2012

MATCH REPORT: Oxford United 3-2 AFC Wimbledon

Finally, after more than a month and six league games, Oxford have managed to record their fourth win of the season. It came against a Wimbledon side who have struggled all season, but who could have taken the points in what was a lively, if scrappy, affair at the Kassam Stadium. And despite the euphoria that accompanies the win, there were still many aspects of the performance that leave cause for concern.

Tuesday 2 October 2012

PREVIEW: AFC Wimbledon Home (02/10/12)

So, we've finished September with the same number of points as we started with - a frankly appalling record for a busy month with six league matches crammed into it. On the back of such a terrible record-equalling run of six defeats, perhaps AFC Wimbledon – as one of the few sides to have accumulated fewer points than us so far – are the ideal opponents to begin October with. Of course, due to our form, Wimbledon will be viewing the fixture as a good one to kick-start their own season.

Monday 1 October 2012

Rotherham United 3-1 Oxford United: The Match in Tweets

Oxford fans of a nervous disposition look away now. It's the match in tweets as United fall to their sixth defeat in a row at Rotherham United's New York Stadium.

Friday 28 September 2012

PREVIEW: Rotherham United Away (29/09/12)

After such a great start we now go into our last match (of six) in September still looking for our first league points this month. This run of form is atrocious and understandably Chris Wilder's position has been questioned as a result (see here and here for two interesting contributions to the debate). It is in this climate of unrest that we make our first ever trip to Rotherham's hilariously-named New York Stadium.

Wednesday 26 September 2012

A Chat with John Shuker

John Shuker played for Oxford for more than a decade and a half and, with more than 500 appearances to his name, has made more Football League appearances for the club than any other. Here's what he had to say when TBFUTH put our questions to him.

Monday 24 September 2012

MATCH REPORT: Yate Town 2-1 Oxford City

Oxford City's impressive Conference North form has been based on hard work, determination and an ability to grind out a result. All of those qualities were on display at Yate Town's Lodge Road on Saturday, but from the hosts, not City.

Saturday 22 September 2012

PREVIEW: Bradford City Home (22/09/12)

There is one aim that comes above all else when we welcome Bradford to the Kassam: to ensure that four doesn't become five. We are on an awful run of form at the moment, but there were positive signs of recovery against Cheltenham, even if the result didn't go our way.

Thursday 20 September 2012

MATCH REPORT: Oxford City 2-0 Corby Town

While United were struggling to defeat at Cheltenham, Oxford City were again showing them the way with a 2-0 victory over CTFC – Corby Town. The victory moves City up to the dizzy heights of fourth, though most of their league rivals now have a game in hand.

Wednesday 19 September 2012

Cheltenham Town 2-1 Oxford United: The Match in Tweets

Oxford fell to yet another defeat, this time away at Cheltenham and there can be no denying that enthusiasm for the club now seems to be at its lowest point in quite some time. So much so that we were unable to find anyone willing to write about last night's match for us, so instead here is the match in Tweets. If you can help us out with future match reports, just email us at tbfuth@hotmail.co.uk.

Tuesday 18 September 2012

PREVIEW: Cheltenham Town Away (18/09/12)

After an excellent first few games, things seem to have fallen apart slightly in recent weeks. And with confidence and morale reaching a new low after Saturday's mauling at the hands of Burton Albion, another tricky away tie in quick succession is probably the last thing we needed.

Monday 17 September 2012

MATCH REPORT: Harrogate Town 1-3 Oxford City

Oxford City continued their excellent start to life in the Conference North with an impressive 3-1 victory away at Harrogate Town. Harrogate were two places ahead of City on goal difference going into the match, but victory in North Yorkshire moved City above their opponents and leaves them just a point behind the play-off places.

MATCH REPORT: Oxford United 1-0 Forest Green Rovers

If the men’s team appear to be faltering, the ladies are currently going from strength to strength. Unbeaten since the opening day of the season they brought Forest Green’s unbeaten start to an end with a 1-0 victory on Sunday. Dan Burgess was at Roman Way and wrote us this report.

Sunday 16 September 2012

MATCH REPORT: Burton Albion 4-0 Oxford United

Oxford travel to Cheltenham on Tuesday on the back of three straight defeats after a poor display at Burton Albion. Previous defeats at York – although perhaps undeserved – and to Exeter – probably deserved depending on who you speak to – were followed up by a mauling in Staffordshire. Calvin Zola and Jacques Maghoma both scored twice as United failed to turn up at the Pirelli. It’s hard to write a lengthy report on a game that left the yellow and blue army feeling so deflated but one can attempt.

Friday 14 September 2012

PREVIEW: Burton Albion Away (15/09/12)

Oxford hope to get back to winning ways away at Burton, having had a full week to recover from last weekend's disappointing result.This week marks the first time this season that we haven't had to play a midweek match and unfortunately last week was the wrong time to play Exeter with such a tired, depleted side that must have been exhausted after a tough run of games in quick succession.

Wednesday 12 September 2012

Jim Rosenthal Falls Victim to Lenagan's Revolution

It seems it's time for another Oxford United panic with the news that Jim Rosenthal has resigned from the board with immediate effect. This, of course, follows the recent departure of Kelvin Thomas from his role as chairman. The Oxford Mail has described Rosenthal's resignation as 'a significant blow', while Yellows Forum is one step away from declaring a state of emergency following the news. But what does it really mean for the club?

Sunday 9 September 2012

MATCH REPORT: Oxford United 2-4 Exeter City

Despite the pre-match assurances, we seem to have suffered a post-Swindon hangover this weekend against a strong Exeter team. Youcef El-Barhdadi was at the Kassam and wrote us this excellent match report.

MATCH REPORT: Oxford City 2-2 Altrincham

Ten-man Oxford City earned a hard-won point at home to Altrincham on Saturday. City trailed at the break after Altrincham's Damien Reeves scored from the penalty spot, with City captain Chris Wilmott being sent off for the challenge.

But the hosts struck back with two quick fire strikes from Declan Benjamin and Steve Basham early into the second half, before Altrincham again levelled the scores from the penalty spot with half an hour still to play.

Saturday 8 September 2012

PREVIEW: Exeter City Home (08/09/12)

We may still be recovering from the glory of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, but Oxford are already back in league action again with the visit of Exeter City to the Kassam. And what better way to recover from 90 gruelling minutes against higher league opposition on Wednesday than a fiercely competitive match against a side who are one place above us on goal difference?

Thursday 6 September 2012

MATCH REPORT: Oxford United 1-0 Swindon Town

A large vocal crowd and a huge atmosphere. Late drama triggering pandemonium in the stands. Isn't that just the norm for the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy?

The JPT may be a pointless competition, but this was as intense as any derby match that has preceded it. It was a tense match of few chances which seemed to be heading for penalties before Alfie Potter's late strike ensured bragging rights stayed in Oxford.

Wednesday 5 September 2012

MATCH REPORT: Oxford City 4-2 Boston United

Oxford City recovered from defeat at Halifax in style with a magnificent comeback victory over ex-League club Boston United in front of a sparse crowd of just 203. The crowds will be a concern for City, with attendance for the last two home games showing no increase over last season, despite no United games on the same day.

Tuesday 4 September 2012

PREVIEW: Swindon Town Home, JPT (05/09/12)

The season may be less than a month old, but already the drama has begun. We're in the midst of a turbulent week, as United's League Two campaign hit a bump with defeat at York this weekend, followed by troubling rumours linking Chris Wilder with the vacant managerial post at Coventry City. I'm sure we'll have more to say on that as events unfold, but speculation over Wilder's future appears to have overshadowed the latest instalment of the A420 Derby.

Sunday 2 September 2012

MATCH REPORT: York City 3-1 Oxford United

Keep it tight for the first 10 lads”

These will have been the words of U’s gaffer Chris Wilder as his side left the dressing room for the pitch at Bootham Crescent. He wouldn’t have been banking on Ryan Clarke to not deal with a Patrick McLaughlin shot, Michael Coulson eventually profiteering from Clarke’s error to give York the lead with only 20 seconds played.

Friday 31 August 2012

PREVIEW: York City Away (01/09/12)

Oxford return to Yorkshire for the second time in a week with the hope of a better outcome, as they resume their League Two campaign against York City for the first time since the Conference play-off final in 2010. York returned to the Football League via the Wembley route with victory over Luton Town, after an eight-year non-league exile.

MATCH REPORT: Oxford United 2-0 Southampton Saints

Oxford United Ladies began their maiden South West Combination campaign with a disappointing 4-1 away defeat to Keynsham Town. However, they refound their sparkling form of last season with a 2-0 victory over Southampton Saints in their first home match of the season. Dan Burgess was there to witness it and was kind enough to send us his account of the game.

Thursday 30 August 2012

A Chat with a York City Fan

As an Oxford United fan living in York, the upcoming game on Saturday was one of the first I looked out for when the fixtures were released. Many of my closest friends are York fans and I’m no stranger to accompanying them in the David Longhurst stand myself as well as away days to Fleetwood and Alfreton last season. However, when it comes to York v Oxford, there is no question of where my support lies and that is with the Yellows! Ahead of Saturday’s game, I caught up with York fan Ian Jones and asked him a few questions for TBFUTH…

Wednesday 29 August 2012

MATCH REPORT: Leeds United 3-0 Oxford United

In the end it wasn't much of a contest. Oxford didn't play badly – though perhaps not quite as well as we are capable of – but were beaten by a team that was superior in every department.