Diamond result

United eventually managed to win a home game this season, and secure their second win in succession for the first time since April 1999. Oxford beat Rushden & Diamonds 3-2, having been 3-0 up with goals from Dean Whitehead in the 51st minute, Martin Thomas three minutes later and Phil Bolland after 69 minutes. Both Rushden's goals were score by Duane Darby, the first five minutes from time and the second just two minutes later. This result lifts United to tenth in the embryonic league table, six points behind the leaders, Rochdale, and three behind next Saturday's opponents Luton, who are second.

Dave Savage started the game in place of the injured Paul Tait and with Scott Guyett getting an injury in training Jon Richardson started a game for the first time this season. All three United substitutions took place immediately after Rushden scored their second goal, in the 88th minute, and saw ROS Rob Folland replace the tiring Sam Stockley, Robert Quinn on for Thomas and Jamie Brooks for Phil Gray.

The score was still 0-0 after 48 minutes when referee Joe Ross sent off Rushden defender Jim Rodwell for a foul on Phil Gray. Andy Scott was also booked. The attendance was 6,289 and a match report has been posted here.

Elsewhere in today's games Phil Whelan scored Southend's equaliser, but they still went down 2-1 at home to Orient. Mark Stein scored twice for Dagenham & Redbridge as they won 4-2 at Forest Green.

Angell's wings clipped

Brett Angell is unlikely to sign for United after Ted McMinn revealed that his wage demands were too high. Angell was on £4,000 a week at Walsall so it's not too surprising that the U's were either unable or unwilling to match that. Apparently Oxford originally wanted Angell on a three or four month loan deal but Walsall boss Ray Graydon, himself a former U, refused this option.