Merry Bloody Christmas (Bah, humbug!)

United traditionally lost the Boxing Day fixture at home to Bournemouth to ensure that their fans didn't have their expectations dashed with any unseasonal cheer. Two goals from Jermaine Defoe in the 7th and 64th minutes sandwiched a 12th minute Peter Fear equaliser to leave Oxford in desparate straits. Ross Weatherstone and Manny Omoyinmi replaced the suspended Lee Jarman and Steve Anthrobus, but United were so poor that some fans actually missed this pair. Paul Powell replaced Ross Weatherstone whilst brother Simon came on for the injured Phil Gray. Matt Murphy was booked by referee P. Armstrong. 6,200 poor souls had to endure the match, which can be read about here.

Other results at the bottom also failed to provide United with any late chrimbo pressies as Luton beat Peterborough 3-2 to leave Oxford seven points adrift. United remain twelve points from safety thanks to swindon's humorous 3-2 defeat at home to Brentford, despite them being 1-0 up at halftime. The U's next opponents, Port Vale, also lost, 1-0 at Wrexham, but Swansea had an excellent result, beating high-flying Walsall 3-1. Bristol Rovers drew 2-2 at home to Reading and all the other teams are too far ahead to be worth worrying about.