Oxford United commence their hectic September schedule, during which they have eight scheduled matches, with a home game against Halifax tomorrow.[@opponent]halifax town[/@opponent][@connection]halifax town[/@connection] The equivalent fixture last year was United's first as a Conference club[@report]256[/@report], and the 2-0 scoreline gave the Us immediate cause for optimism, as the Shaymen were reckoned to be one of the promotion favourites. They don't have quite the same kudos this time round, but United will be keen to replicate that scoreline, having made heavy weather of getting past bottom team Stafford Rangers in their last home fixture.

There will definitely be at least one change to the side that drew 0-0 at Stevenage on Bank Holiday Monday, as striker Gary Twigg sprained his ankle in that match and will be out for a couple of weeks. Joel Ledgister is not ready to resume first team duties yet, so the likely pairing up front is Rob Duffy and Yemi Odubade. However, Jim Smith is hopeful of signing Paul Shaw, formerly of Chesterfield, Rotherham, Gillingham, Millwall, Sheffield United, and Arsenal, among others, and there is a slim possibility that the 34-year old striker might get an opportunity, although he is more likely to be on the bench, if indeed he does sign. There is a slight doubt over Eddie Hutchinson, but United do have plenty of options in midfield, so even if Steady Eddie can't play there is scope for Michael Standing to come in, while Carl Pettefer, Phil Trainer, and Danny Rose are also vying for a place. At the back United are still without Phil Gilchrist and Chris Willmott, but the current incumbents have been solid enough and are unlikely to be changed anyway.

Halifax had a slow start to the season, but beat Droyslden 3-0 on Monday. Goal machine (ahem) Andy Campbell scored a hat-trick, to add to two he scored against Altrincham, and is therefore probably worthy of being marked, a bit. They have, however, lost both their previous away games this season. For some reason that we can't quite put our finger on, Rage Online is a bit nervous about this fixture, and so we're going cautious with our prediction, opting for a 1-1 draw. Don't panic, though. We're rarely accurate.

In last night's televised Conference match, York City twice led against Rushden & Diamonds, only for the away side to win 3-2. Sensitive old-boy Andy Burgess scored the Diamond's first equaliser. Weymouth host second-placed Cambridge United this evening.