Cup tied

United characteristically achieved defeat from the brink of victory at Conference club Chester today, converting a two goal surplus into a one goal deficit for the second time in a fortnight. Phil Gray put Oxford ahead, bundling home Chris Hackett's cross after twenty minutes, and a couple of minutes later Matt Murphy doubled the lead when he headed home a Joey Beauchamp corner. Assistant manager Paul Beesley reduced the arrears before half-time and in the second half Steve Whitehall scored twice, both times taking advantage of Richard Knight errors, to complete United's misery.

United started playing 4-3-3, with Jon Richardson at right back and Lee Jarman partnering Andy Linighan in the centre of defence. Peter Fear was recalled to the midfield whilst Chris Hackett joined Phil Gray and Steve Anthrobus up front. With quarter of an hour remaining, and Oxford a goal down, Dean Whitehead came on for Jarman as Oxford changed to 3-4-3. Ten minutes later Manny Omoyinmi replaced Anthrobus but it was too little too late. The crowd of 2,798 saw bookings for Murphy, Jarman, Anthrobus and Hackett (those that were looking, anyway). A match report can be found here. Chester will face a trip to Ewood park to play Blackburn in the third round.