United lost yet again today, going down 2-0 at Darlington’s impressive new, empty, Reynolds Arena. Darlo’s first goal was scored by former Oxford triallist Ryan Valentine after 26 minutes, following a defensive muddle. After United pressure at the start of the second half, Barry Conlon doubled Darlington’s lead 19 minutes from time, and United were unable to turn the match around.

Graham Rix again made changes to the starting line-up, bringing Scott McNiven back into the side as he went to a 5-3-2 formation for the first time. Jon Ashton was due to start the match as left-sided centre back, but he was injured during the warm-up and his place was taken by Matt Bound. Richard Walker came back to the side to join Steve Basham up front. Shortly before half-time Basham, apparently injured, was replaced by Lee Steele. Thirteen minutes into the second half Chris Hackett replaced McNiven, and just eight minutes later Courtney Pitt came on for Paul Wanless.

Referee K Hill seemed to be lacking something in the communication front with his assistants, and he booked Wanless and Andy Crosby. The attendance in the 25,000 capacity stadium was 4,212. We have been promised a match report for tomorrow.

United remain in seventh place, thanks to Northampton being held 2-2 at home by Southend. This leaves the Cobblers one point behind the Us, having played one game fewer. Similarly Yeovil have a game in hand over United, and are just two points behind have beaten Bury 2-1. Above Oxford, Mansfield are now five points ahead, having won 2-1 at Boston, and Lincoln’s 2-0 win at bottom club Carlisle leaves them six points above United. Fourth placed Torquay also won, beating leaders Doncaster 1-0, while Huddersfield were grateful for a last-minute goal to secure a 3-2 win over fourth-bottom Scunthorpe. Hull were held to a 1-1 draw at Macclesfield.

Carlisle’s defeat leaves them five points from safety, after 3rd-bottom Rochdale beat Leyton Orient 3-0. York stay in penultimate position after going down 2-0 at home to Cheltenham, the first goal seeing Lee Nogan put through his own net.

In the Conference, Chester’s 1-0 win over Scarborough guarantees Mark Wright’s side promotion to the Football League for next season. John Durnin scored twice in a minute to rescue a point for Accrington Stanley in their 3-3 draw against Gravesend. In the Scottish league Derek Townsley scored a hat-trick in Gretna’s 5-1 win over East Stirlingshire, proving that the standard in that league is the equivalent of Moor Green.