Moody proves his point

United beat Southend 2-0 at the Kassam Stadium today with goals from Paul Moody in the 29th minute of his debut and Sam Rickett's first for the club in the first minute of the second half. Apart from hitting the post from a free-kick the Exeter side provided little threat and the U's defence absorbed everything that came their way.

Sam Ricketts regained his place as left wingback from Paul Powell and Paul Moody played up front instead of Phil Gray. Also recalled to the side was Dean Whitehead, who took over from Manny Omoyinmi. Andy Scott received a bad injury and had to be replaced by Gray. Scott could be out for several weeks with what looked like torn ligaments.

Referee Frazer Stretton added only Dave Savage to the long list of Oxford bad boys this season. The attendance was 5,724 and a match report can be found here.

This result lifts United to 11th place, above Southend on goal difference. Shrewsbury have gone top following their 1-0 win over Rochdale whilst Exeter remain bottom, going down 4-0 at Darlington. Simon Weatherstone and Mark Angel both scored in Boston's 4-1 win over Hayes and Mark Stein scored the only goal as Dagenham won at Chester. Mark McGregor scored Nuneaton's winner in their 2-1 win at Scarborough.