Oxford’s opponents in the first round of the FA Trophy are Lewes FC, following the Rooks 3-2 win at Banbury United last night in the third qualifying round. Former Oxford youth-teamer Howard Forinton gave Kevin Brock’s men the lead, but goals from Paul Booth and Jean-Michele Sigere turned the scorline on its head. A 20-yard shot from Jon Gardner made the score 2-2 at half time. Lewes, however, scored a deserved winner from Booth, who beat Alan Judge to set up a trip for United to Sussex, in a game strangely reminiscent of the visit to Eastbourne Borough in last season’s FA Cup first round.

We understand that United’s reserves were also in action last night, playing a behind-closed-doors friendly against Aldershot reserves at the Milton United ground. United lost 4-2, with the Us’ goals coming from on-loan Jamie Slabber and youth teamer Daniel Meade. Billy Beechers partnered Slabber up front.

United fanzine Oxtales is hoping to produce another edition for the Boxing Day game against Woking. The most recent edition, on sale at the Tamworth game, was disappointingly thin, so the publishers are hoping for a lot more contributions for the next issue. We obviously have a special interest in the fanzine’s survival, as it is the direct descendent of Raging Bull and Rage On, which spawned this very website. Contributions can be emailed to contributions@oxtales.co.uk, or check out Oxtales for other methods.