Gateshead are United's visitors tomorrow for their first ever trip to Oxford. Those gaudy Geordies were elected out of the League in favour of Peterborough United in 1960. They then died in 1973 and were reformed in 1977. Oxford are on a poor run, not having won any of their last five games, which included a 2-1 home defeat by Hayes & Yeading United. The Us will therefore presumably now be aware that these sorts of results can happen, and will hopefully take steps to ensure that Gateshead won't repeat Hayes' feat.

United have been rocked by the news that captain Adam Murray is out for the remainder of the season after he felt another twinge in his back, and he will now go for an operation. On the plus side, there are no new injury worries after Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Rushden & Diamonds. With games rapidly running out as the season nears its climax, Oxford have to start winning games and the best way to do that is to attack the opposition, especially at home. Let's hope we therefore see an end to twin defensive midfielders and no width, and an introduction to pacy strikers and overlapping wingers.

Since losing 8-0 at Rushden two weeks ago, Gateshead have won both their home games, against Forest Green Rovers and Wrexham. However, the Heed haven't won away from home since 6 February, when they beat Mansfield Town 2-0. They do have Daryl Clare up front, who used to be good, but if Oxford have realistic ambitions to win the title, or even to do well in the play-offs, then 17th-placed Gateshead ought to be easy meat for the Yellows. [@opponent]gateshead[/@opponent] [@connection]gateshead[/@connection]