Oxford United have announced that this season they will be entering a team to play in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup. The last time United competed in this tournament was in 1992/3, but since then United managers have seen the Cup as an irrelevance and an opportunity for injuries. Ian Atkins, however, sees it as a good chance for reserve and youth players to compete in meaningful cup competition.

By entering the OSC it also gives a fillip to other local clubs who will now not only have an opportunity to play in the final at the Kassam Stadium, but who might also get to play against the county’s senior, and only professional, side (or at least their second string). Whilst winning the trophy wouldn’t necessarily be one of the club’s major achievements, it’s always nice to win some silverware, especially on home turf.

Being one of the top seeds, along with Banbury United, Thame United and Oxford City, United get a bye into the fourth round, which takes place in January.