Close to the edge at Boundary Park

United's decline continues, this time a 2-0 defeat at Oldham pushing the club back into the second division relegation zone. The Latics' Steve Whitehall scored both goals, the first with a deflected shot from a free kick and the second following a defensive error from the normally reliable Mark Watson. Watson had returned to the defence in place of Steve Davis, with Les Robinson at right back and Neil McGowan at left back in a conventional back four. Derek Lilley was recalled to the team in the right wing position, Joey Beauchamp having hurt his ankle in training yesterday. New signing Nigel Jemson replaced Jamie Cook up front. Another serious defensive injury, this time McGowan breaking his leg, led to Jon Shepheard making his league debut and, at the same time, Cook came on for Lilley. Ben Abbey replaced Steve Anthrobus with about quarter of an hour left. There were no bookings. Further reflections can be found in the match report.

Land deal imminent

According to Oxford City Council leader John Tanner the infamous land deal should be ready to be signed next week, probably on Wednesday. This should allow Firoz Kassam, who tied up all the loose ends with the contractors, Barr Limited, in Glasgow last Monday, to get the builders back on site by mid-February meaning that the stadium should be on track for a September completion date.

Thommo chaired off pitch by Gills

Former Oxford marksman (who didn't find the mark that often whilst at the Manor) Andy Thomson scored Gillingham's second goal as they beat Premiership side Sheffield Wednesday 3-1 at Priestfield. Another ex-crap striker, Nick Cusack, now playing in central defence for Swansea, scored the equalising penalty in their 2-1 defeat at Southend United. Mark Stein scored again as Bournemouth drew 1-1 with Scunthorpe at Dean Court.