U's lose at Wigan

United went down 3-2 at the JJB Stadium in Wigan. Simon Haworth put the Latics ahead as early as the sixth minute when United's defence failed to deal with a low cross from the left. In the 39th minute a piece of individualistic skill from Joey Beauchamp led to him scoring the equaliser from a narrow angle. Two minutes later a penalty, harshly awarded against Darren Patterson, was converted by Lee Ashcroft.

Wigan's record signing Lee McCullough increased the home side's lead with an overhead kick following a corner. Another scintillating Beauchamp run led to Andy Scott reducing the arrears with just one minute remaining, by which time Paul Dalglish had been dismissed for elbowing Peter Fear in the 78th minute.

The only change to United's starting line-up from the team which started at Luton was the introduction of Fear in place of the injured Paul Tait. The only substitution was the introduction of Steve Anthrobus for Sam Ricketts shortly after Dalglish's dismissal. Patterson was booked for United by the alarmingly inept referee Tony Bates. The attendance was 5,322 and a match report can be found here.

Elsewhere Swansea drew 0-0 at home to Rotherham to go nine points clear of United and Luton also drew 0-0, at home to Oldham, to leave themselves eight points from safety. Bristol Rovers beat Colchester 2-0 at the Memorial Ground to move within a point of Wycombe, who drew 1-1 with Wrexham, and within two points of swindon, who lost 1-0 at Millwall. Cambridge are also still in danger despite beating Northampton 2-0 last night. United's next opponents, Reading, beat Bury 4-1 to go second. Brighton will not be one of Oxford's destinations next season as they were promoted following their 2-0 win at Plymouth.