Down

United became the first team in England this season to be relegated following their 1-0 home defeat to Oldham today. David Eyres scored the only goal of the game in the final minute, direct from a free-kick harshly awarded against Wayne Hatswell.

The only change to United's starting line-up from Tuesday's game at Bournemouth was the introduction of Joey Beauchamp in place of Paul Powell. Matt Murphy came on for Robert Quinn, who received an injury as early as the 7th minute, and Chris Hackett replaced Sam Ricketts with 8 minutes remaining. The attendance was 4,217 and the referee was Frazer Stretton from Nottingham. Thanks to Paul Beevers for this match report.

Swansea also lost, 1-0 at Bristol Rovers, which has the twin bonus of keeping the Swans within catching distance and allowing Rovers to get within three points of swindon having played three games less. swindon themselves drew 1-1 with Northampton. The other team in the relegation zone is Luton, who United visit on Tuesday. They lost 2-1 at home to Stoke.

Minchery's burning

A fire last night at Minchery Farm destroyed about £40,000 worth of roofing. United chairman Firoz Kassam has said that this damage should not prevent completion of the stadium on schedule and the damage will be covered by Birse Construction's insurance. It is thought that the fire had suspicious origins and questions need to be asked of the security on the site. It is believed that the fire was discovered by a United steward who alerted the site security, which was watching television at the time.

U's lose dosh

Following an operating loss of £137,000 in the financial year ending in June 1999, United lost a further £764,859 in the following year. The Manor is valued at £4 million without planning permission and at the shareholders' Annual General Meeting attendees will vote on whether to sell the ground to Firoka (London Park) Ltd, one of Kassam's other companies, for £6 million. The meeting takes place on Tuesday May 1st, coincidentally the date of the last game at the Manor.