Down among the dead men

United slumped to their seventh home league defeat of the season, throwing away a two-goal half-time lead to a poor Notts County. Matt Murphy gave Oxford the lead in the 41st minute and doubled it just before the half-time whistle. Four minutes into the second half Danny Allsop, on loan from Man City, pulled a goal back for County on his debut and with four minutes to go he equalised from the penalty spot after Murphy gave away a foul. Just a couple of minutes later County substitute Adam Newton, on loan from West Ham, scored the winner, also on his debut. Oxford made two changes from last Saturday's starting line-up, both in midfield. Loanee Keith Andrews returned for the suspended Peter Fear whilst Simon Weatherstone played instead of Lee Jarman, who later came on for Weatherstone. With a short time remaining Chris Hackett came on for Derek Lilley. The crowd of just 4,765 saw a booking for home debutant Phil Gray. A less detailed match report is here.

Paul Wanless scored Cambridge's first goal in their 3-3 draw with Swansea at the Abbey Stadium. Dean Windass opened the scoring for Bradford City at the Riverside, but the Bantams could only draw 2-2 despite being 2-0 up. Paul Simpson scored Blackpool's winner as they beat Darlington 2-1. Exeter's consolation goal in their 3-1 defeat at Lincoln was scored by none other than Super Kevin Francis, and the three goals were conceded by Arjan Van Heusden. Possible United transfer target Wayne Hatswell scored both Forest Green Rovers goals as they beat Dover 2-1, following his embarrassing own goal against Morecambe last week.

Transfer stuff

Apparently Norwegian triallist Tom Hammerborg has returned to Norway, although no reason has yet been given for this. Meanwhile it has been speculated that Oxford had a £100,000 bid for Birmingham midfielder Steve Robinson turned down. Trevor Francis's valuation for the player was £400,000, but he has recently been placed on the transfer list with a £200,000 price tag. Dave Kemp refused to commit himself as to whether Oxford would go back with a better offer.

It appears that Hearts, who have just lost manager Jim Jeffries to Bradford City, have invited Joe Kinnear to apply for the vacant position. Hopefully Kinnear will not relish being so far away from home and will not consider his work at Oxford to be completed yet.