Oh tish, Reading

United went down to their eighth consecutive away defeat at the Madejski Stadium 4-3 this afternoon, despite leading 3-2 with ten minutes to go. Reading opened the scoring with a Darren Caskey penalty, harshly awarded against Lee Jarman after 28 minutes, but Derek Lilley equalised five minutes from the end of the first half following a Phil Whitehead error. Jamie Cureton put the Royals ahead again on 68 minutes but within a minute an own goal by former swindon player Adrian Viveash brought United level again. The U's went ahead after Jon Richardson scored his first Oxford goal from a Peter Fear corner in the 73rd minute but, typically, they were unable to hold onto the lead and two goals from substitute Tony Rougier in the 78th and 87th minutes sealed victory for the Royals. United made three changes from the starting line-up against Wigan, with Lee Jarman replacing the injured Jon Shepheard, Neil McGowan coming in for Sam Ricketts at left wingback, and Jamie Cook making way for Steve Anthrobus. With six minutes left Rob Folland returned from long-term injury, replacing right wingback John Robertson. The game was watched by 16,022, the Division's highest attendance so far this season. There's a match report here, of course.

Luton also lost by the same scoreline as United at home to Wrexham despite Mark Stein giving them the lead and them being 2-0 up at half-time. swindon went down 3-2 at Notts County, Bournemouth lost 2-1 at Stoke, Oldham won 2-0 at Bristol Rovers while Swansea lost 1-0 at home to Port Vale.

Other former United players to find the net included Andy Melville who scored Fulham's third in their 3-3 draw at Sheffield Wednesday. Nigel Jemson scored a last minute penalty to earn Shrewsbury a draw at home to Torquay.

Oop Noorth for t'coop

United have been drawn away to Macclesfield Town in the first round of the FA Cup, the tie to take place on November 18th. This will be United's first ever competitive fixture against the Silkmen and our first visit to The Moss Rose (until next season).

For better or Birse

Stadium contractors Birse have occupied the Minchery Farm site, but because the current structure needs to be made safe before construction can start in earnest there will be no heavy work taking place until November 20th. On Monday the most exciting action will be the arrival of a couple of portakabins and a Central TV crew interviewing crap fanzine editors!