Oxford United were held to a goalless draw at home by Isthmian Premier League relegation candidates Tonbridge Angels, in a dismal game at Minchery Farm this afternoon.[@news]2237[/@news] [@opponent]tonbridge[/@opponent] Today's result was the fourth game in a row that United have failed to score, and the third consecutive home 0-0 draw (and the fourth in the last five home games). It was not a game totally bereft of goalscoring opportunities, but United will be disappointed that they failed to defeat a team as far below them as they are below Southend United, who comprehensively outplayed them in Tuesday night's FA Cup second round replay. The first chance fell to Tonbridge, as Billy Turley had to rush out quickly to smother the ball before Alex Jeannin mopped up. Then United had a half-chance following an excellent cross from Joel Ledgister, headed back by Rob Duffy, but Yemi Odubade volleyed high over the bar. Carl Pettefer will have been disappointed with his tame shot, easily held by Matt Green, again following a good ball by Ledgister, who was involved in most of United's decent moves. However, it was the visitors who went closest as Jeannin had to head a Scott Kinch drive off the line, with Turley beaten. Yemi then got behind the visitors' defence for the first time, but he shot wide as Green rushed out, and the half closed with a Jeannin drive deflected wide by Duffy.

In the second half United increased the tempo, but were still unable to find a way through as Tonbridge defended deeper, and tackled even harder. Green saved well from Odubade, and then the goalie failed to hold onto a Barry Quinn shot, but there were no United players following up. The closest United came to breaking the deadlock was when Danny Rose's long-range shot looked to be heading for the top corner, but Green again pulled off an excellent save. At the other end, United were relieved when a speculative effort from Hamid Barr came back off the foot of the post. And that was that, really. There was no lack of effort from the Oxford players, but a distinct lack of a cutting edge, and with the exceptions of Jeannin, Ledgister, Pettefer, and, when he came on, Rose, no quality on the ball. Now United have to face yet another game as they go to the Longmead Stadium for a replay on Tuesday, although the Angels deserve their chance at another crack at United on the basis of today's performance.

Darren Patterson fielded what is probably his strongest available line up, with Jeannin returning to the side in place of Matt Day, and Pettefer back in midfield in place of Gary Twigg. In attack, Duffy made his first start since the end of September, taking the place of Ashley Barnes. Ten minutes into the second half, Duffy was replaced by Barnes, and five minutes later Twigg came on for Yemi, but it made no difference to United's lack of cutting edge. Things perked up when Rose replaced Eddie Hutchinson with just over 20 minutes remaining, and with his first touch he almost set up a chance for Twigg. Billy Turley will now have to miss the replay following his fifth yellow card of the season at Southend.

The referee for today's game was