Nothing to write home about

United fought out a dire 0-0 draw in Chesterfield in a game which exposed just how toothless the Oxford strike force really is as all decent efforts on goal came from midfielders. The starting line-up was the same as for the Notts County game, but midway into the second half Neil McGowan limped off with what looked like a groin strain. He was replaced by Peter Fear, with Rob Folland switching wings from right to left and Robbo dropping out of central midfield to right wingback. Later on Derek Lilley was replaced by Steve Anthrobus. Mark Watson received the game's only yellow card, for an innocuous looking push which referee Paul Danson didn't like, despite it being in the 90th minute. Read the match report for some further aimless ramblings.

Arendse keeps another clean sheet

Andre Arendse played for South Africa as they beat Sweden 1-0 in a friendly fixture in Pretoria. South Africa's goal was scored by Siyabonga Nomvete in the 87th minute, although Sweden had Andreas Andersson sent off in the 55th. This was South Africa's first ever victory over European opposition.

Former U's

Port Vale's equaliser in their 2-2 draw at Charlton was scored by Martin Foyle. Gillingham's winner in their 2-1 victory at Cardiff was scored by Andy Thomson. Mark Warren made up for his own goal against United earlier in the week by scoring Notts County's fourth as they drew 4-4 with Bristol City. Earlier Alex Dyer had scored for County to make the score 3-3. Nick Cusack grabbed the only goal of the game as Swansea won at Chester. At the top of the third division Howard Forinton scored the opening goal, but still saw Peterborough go down 3-2 at home to Barnet. Marco Gabbiadini had mixed fortunes for Darlington – he scored their opener as they won 2-1 at Southend, but was sent off twelve minutes from time for a second booking.