Lowe blow

A first half goal from former United target Onandi Lowe gave Rushden & Diamonds the lead in the first ever league game between the clubs at Nene Park. Lowe's shot, on 36 minutes, was the only one from Diamonds in the half and took a wicked deflection. Dave Morley struck a fine equaliser in the 74th minute but United's joy was short-lived as substitute Jon Brady won the game for Rushden with a shot direct from a harshly awarded free-kick six minutes later.

An injury to Andy Woodman allowed Richard Knight to make his first appearance in goal since the opening day of the season. Lee Maddison made his United debut at left back after joining on loan from Carlisle. Otherwise this was the same starting line-up as against Bristol Rovers. The Us' first substitution occurred in just the third minute, when Robert Quinn was replaced by Dean Whitehead after suffering an injury. In the 63rd minute Chris Hackett came on for Sam Stockley.

Referee M. Cooper, who United fans will remember from the League Cup match against Gillingham early this season, added Whitehead, Maddison and Andy Crosby to United's yellow card tally. The official attendance was announced as a suspiciously low 4,484, despite a presence of 1,100 or so Oxford fans and the rest of the ground looking pretty full. A match report can be found here.

United remain in 15th place after this latest defeat, their fifth game without a win, but are now five points behind 14th placed Darlington, who won 3-1 at Carlisle. Rushden have moved up four places to 6th. Plymouth are now seven points clear at the top after winning 1-0 at Swansea. Rochdale remain fourth after beating second from bottom York by the odd goal in nine.

Ollie bull concept

United have finally fallen foul of the horrendously crass commercialism that has inflicted many other less enlightened clubs. It has been revealed that the club is to get a furry mascot, in order to make us look even more ridiculous, as if the football wasn't enough. The mascot, known as Ollie the Ox, is presumably going to be some sort of ox. The club, apparently, is looking for a mug to dress up in the costume and walk around the pitch making a prat of him (or her) self, thankfully anonymously.