By Tony Fallows

While some of the storm clouds hanging over Oxford United have dissipated following the appointment of new chairman Kelvin Thomas, a rather ominous cloud is approaching the United Stadium in the form of Rushden & Diamonds. The Diamonds were responsible for Jim Smith stepping down as manager when a 5-0 away loss spelled the end for the former United manager. Darren Patterson took over the reins, but with his position now looking under threat a similar result needs to be avoided. United now find themselves in 20th place, just one point and one position above the drop zone. Only Woking, Grays Athletic, Lewes, and Northwich Victoria are beneath them. A win, however, could potentially send The Yellows up to 15th place.

The biggest blow for boss Darren Patterson is that striker James Constable is once again injured and unavailable for the match. He picked up a knock to his knee in Saturday