0-0 all over

United and Bristol Rovers fought to a stalemate at the Kassam Stadium today, United dominating possession but Rovers having the better chances. United had the better of the first half but, apart from one blistering break and shot from Manny Omoyinmi, didn't really trouble Scott Howie in the Rovers goal. Andy Woodman, who set up Manny's chance with an excellent throw, had to be alert to prevent Rovers scoring at his near post. The second half started with Rovers coming at Oxford and they almost scored in the first minute, a Nathan Ellington shot coming back off the post. Ellington also forced Woodman into a couple of decent saves, whilst Howie had a fairly quiet half comparatively.

United began the game playing the fans' favourite formation of 4-4-2, with Dave Morley at right back and the recalled Wayne Hatswell at left back. Omoyinmi started up front alongside Paul Moody as Andy Scott was still ill, but Paul Powell had recovered sufficiently to start on the left wing. Dean Whitehead had been dropped to the bench but came on for Sam Stockley six minutes into the second half, with United changing to a 4-3-3 formation. This gave Oxford more of an attacking edge but no width and shortly afterwards Dave Savage went to the right wing position as the Us went back to their original shape. In the final minute Chris Hackett replaced an injured Savage, who took a knock to his knee.

Referee SJ Baines, who also officiated United's win at Hartlepool, didn't book anyone from either team, which was nice for the 7,457 spectators. A match report can be found by clicking on this piece of text.

As a result of this draw United drop one place to 15th, still one place above Rovers. In the top of the table clash Luton beat Plymouth 2-0 (boo!) but Argyle remain four points ahead of the Hatters. Bottom of the table Halifax lost 1-0 at home to Hull, to leave United ten points off the relegation position. The gap to the last play-off spot has increased to eleven points following Scunthorpe's 2-2 draw at Shrewsbury, for whom Nigel Jemson scored their opening goal. United's next opponent's, Rushden & Diamonds on Tuesday, beat Darlington 2-1 at home.

As well as Jemson two other former Us were on the scoresheet today. John Durnin, currently at Port Vale on a non-contract basis, opened the scoring in their 1-1 draw with Wycombe Wanderers. Marco Gabbiadini increased his unpopularity amongst United supporters by scoring an own goal in Northampton's 2-1 defeat at swindon. Git.