Oxford United secured a vital 1-0 win in the away leg of their play-off semi final at Exeter City last night.[@opponent]exeter city[/@opponent] United dominated the first half and, but for a twenty-minute period at the start of the second half, were rarely troubled by the home side. Oxford were on the attack straight from the kick off, winning a corner in the second minute, and keeping the Grecians pegged back for much of the half. Danny Rose came close with a shot that landed on top of the net, and Chris Zebroski saw Martin Rice save a header. At the other end Billy Turley was relieved that Adam Stansfield's unmarked header was straight at him, and on another occasion a mis-communication with Matt Day caused some consternation before Chris Hargreaves cleared. United's goal came from a quick break from an Exeter corner; this led to an Oxford corner at the other end, from which Day headed against the bar. The rebound fell to Martin Foster, whose shot was cleared off the line by Wayne Carlisle, but Rose pounced and his shot bounced off Andy Taylor and into the net, the goal being marked as a Taylor own goal. Immediately from kick off Yemi Odubade had a glorious opportunity to extend the lead, as he burst through on goal with just Rice to beat, but his shot was into the side netting.[@news]2122[/@news]

Exeter made a couple of changes at half time, and it took a while for United to adjust, as Exeter came at them strongly. United did create a couple of chances as Eddie Anaclet cut inside, but shot straight at Rice, and Yemi did the same later, but his shot went narrowly wide. At the other end, Turley made a fantastic double save from Stansfield, but most of City's shooting was off target, usually embarrassingly so. United had the final chance, as an Andy Burgess free kick was headed back across goal by Rob Duffy, but Zebroski could only direct the ball wide of the post. Throughout the game, United had the majority of possession, dominated the corner count, and looked the hungrier and better side. However, they must remember that the job is only half done, and they face another testing 90 minutes in the home leg on Tuesday, when Exeter will certainly be determined to overturn the deficit.

The line-up chosen by Jim Smith was an adventurous one, with pace and attacking wing backs. Turley's thumb had recovered from its bruising and he resumed in goal, with a back three of Day, Barry Quinn, and Phil Gilchrist in front of him. Anaclet played wide on the right, with Burgess on the opposite flank. The central midfield trio consisted of Foster, Hargreaves, and Rose, while up front Yemi and Zebroski started. With seven minutes remaining Duffy came on for Yemi, who was absolutely knackered, and for the final two minutes Rufus Brevett replaced Anaclet.

The referee yesterday was G Horwood, who was previously in charge of United's 3-0 win at Cambridge and their 1-0 home defeat by Kidderminster. He ran the game reasonably well yesterday, but tended to get a bit picky, although no worse than most Conference referees. He showed a yellow card to Zebroski for a late challenge on Taylor. The attendance was 8,659, which was slightly less than anticipated, but nevertheless easily Exeter's best of the season and swelled by over 1,200 Oxford fans. We have been promised a match report, which we will publish as soon as we receive it.

The other semi-final ended in a goalless draw between York City and Morecambe, which arguably gives the Lancashire side a slight advantage for the second leg on Monday. The attendance at Bootham Crescent was 6,660.