Swindon Town 2 Raging Fever 3

Raging Fever ensured that the pre-match bragging rights remained in Oxford following a hard-fought victory over Swindon Town. The Oxford side battled back from two goals down to maintain the club's 100% record over their Wiltshire rivals this season.

Fever have a fine record over Swindon in recent times, but were to be tested by some notable absentees and a home side that had been filled with some new faces to prevent a repeat of the previous two fixtures, in which Swindon had conceded 18 goals.

Despite the hosts learning each others names as kick-off approached, they raced into an early lead against a sluggish Fever side. A wayward header dropped at the feet of a Swindon attacker who took one touch before firing low past the unsighted James Parker in the Fever goal.

Things went from bad to worse moments later as a Swindon attacker beat the offside trap to slot home. It was still early in the game but the ease with which the home side were cutting through the Fever ranks was providing cause for concern. In one of the more embarrassing moment in Fever history, a large proportion of the squad decided to resolve the issues by ranting uncontrollably, much to the amusement of the Swindon team.

It seemed to work, however, as Fever got back into the game from their first attack. A George Dugdale corner was headed into the ground by Nick Holloway, who was delighted to see the ball loop over the stranded Swindon goalkeeper.

Moments later, the scores could have been level as Stuart Burson latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area, only to scuff his shot into the arms of the grateful goalkeeper.

At the other end, only a wonderful reaction save from Parker prevented Swindon from extending their lead. The goalkeeper was already on the ground as an opposition attacker prodded the ball goalwards from close range, but the big stopper flung an arm upwards to claw the ball away. Paul Lucas completed the job to the relief of the Fever defence.

Fever were under considerable pressure throughout but looked dangerous on the counter-attack. From such an attack, Fever levelled the scores. A quick throw released John Matthews, who lofted the ball into the path of Nick Wehmeier. Fever's player-manager volleyed to the ball over the goalkeeper to restore parity.

The pattern of the game remained similar after the interval, with Fever being forced to defend bravely to repel Swindon attacks. The visitors were penned in their own half, but were looking far more assured in defence than they had in the early stages. Robb Milne and Holloway were winning the aerial battles against the body double of Neil from 'The Inbetweeners', whilst Burson was blocking everything that came within kicking distance.

Swindon were becoming frustrated and their mood didn't improve when Fever took the lead. A long Pat Wehmeier throw was flicked on by Matthews to the other Wehmeier, who shot on the turn to give Fever an advantage to cling onto.

There are very few parallels between Fever and Oxford's first team, but the desire and ability to cling onto a lead in Wiltshire can be added to the list. Parker dominated his area, whilst Fever defenders flung themselves into the path of anything that looked vaguely threatening.

The fixture was being played at a 'defence academy' and for once, Fever were deserving of their place under that title as they held on to record an impressive victory against a strong Swindon side.

Raging Fever: James Parker, Geoff Carter, Nick Holloway, Robb Milne, Paul Lucas, Pat Wehmeier, Stuart Burson, George Dugdale, James Longshaw, Nick Wehmeier, John Matthews, Paul Soper.

Goals: Nick Wehmeier (2), Holloway.