For the first time this season Oxford failed to score, as Kidderminster Harriers held them to a 0-0 draw at Aggborough. United created little, but did have the occasional chance, notably once when Yemi Odubade was played through by Steve Basham, but shot into the side netting. Leading scorer Rob Duffy headed just over at the start of the second half, but otherwise Scott Bevan was relatively untroubled. At the other end, Billy Turley also had little to do, and the defence in front of him coped reasonably well with the Kidderminster forwards. On loan Paul Bignot did provide some nervous moments for the Oxford back line, and it was a relief when he was dismissed for an over-the-top tackle on Chris Hargreaves, but United were unable to make their numerical advantage count, despite mounting some late pressure.

Jim Smith made just one change from the side that won at Forest Green Rovers on Friday, recalling Rufus Brevett to left wingback in place of Matt Day. However, Day soon had his chance, coming on for Brevett at half-time. Seven minutes into the second half, the influential Andy Burgess had to leave the pitch nursing an injury, and he was replaced by Yemi. With 15 minutes remaining, the disappointing Basham came off, with Eddie Hutchinson taking his place.

For a change, the referee was someone who we’ve encountered before. Gary Lewis took charge of a couple of Oxford games last season, namely the 1-0 home win over Torquay way back in August 2005, and the 1-0 home defeat by Lincoln, in December. His performance today was characterised by inconsistency, allowing some fouls to be called while letting other similar challenges go unpunished. He also denied Oxford a couple of penalty claims in the closing stages, first when Yemi charged through and appeared to be baulked, and in the final minute of stoppage time when Duffy looked to have been impeded. To compound his sins, he booked four Oxford players: Hargreaves, Brevett, Duffy (his fifth of the season, meaning he will miss the game at Cambridge on 20 October), and Day. The attendance of 2,264 included 653 Yellows, and is Kidderminster’s highest attendance of the season. We hope a match report will appear tomorrow (should anyone volunteer to pen one…)

The draw means that Oxford have equalled two records. The first, set by United in 1959, is their longest unbeaten start to a season. The second, set by Grays Athletic last season, is the longest unbeaten start to a Conference season by any club. Unfortunately, it means that United’s gap at the top of the table has been cut to four points, following Dagenham & Redbridge’s 4-2 win over St Albans, which leaves the Hertfordshire club fourth from bottom. Third-placed Weymouth also had a convincing win, 3-0 at Crawley, which leaves the Surrey team bottom of the league again following Forest Green Rovers’ excellent 1-0 win over Burton, leaving Albion in 7th place. York City are fourth, despite losing 2-1 at home to Cambridge United, while Exeter’s 1-1 draw at home to Northwich lifts them up to 5th.

Gravesend & Northfleet are eighth after losing 4-1 at home to Stafford Rangers, for whom a Paul McCarthy own goal set them on their way. Morecambe are 10th after they won 2-0 at Altrincham, who are United’s next opponents on Saturday, and who lie 18th in the table. Rushden & Diamonds lost 1-0 at home to Halifax, and Stevenage came from a goal down to win 2-1 at Southport. Surprise of the day was Tamworth’s 4-2 win over Grays, which leaves the Essex side down in 11th place.