Despite going a goal ahead through Lee Bradbury in the 20th minute, Oxford were eventually knocked out of this season’s FA Cup. Two goals from Grant Holt, in the 36th and final minutes, turned the game around and ensured that it will be Rochdale’s name that goes into tomorrow’s second round draw. United had some good spells during the game, but Rochdale’s win was deserved, as demonstrated by Oxford’s lack of attempts on goal. Recalled goalie Chris Tardif, on the other hand, kept the scoreline respectable with several fine saves.

Tardif returned to the team after an absence of three games, replacing Alan Judge who stepped in last week at Southend. Also recalled to the side was David Woozley, as Graham Rix returned to a 4-4-2 formation to compensate for the enforced absence of the suspended Jon Ashton. Leo Roget also made way, as Paul Wanless came back into the midfield. Ten minutes into the second half Chris Hackett was brought on to replace Mark E’Beyer. Five minutes from time there was a welcome and emotional return to action for Jamie Brooks, making his first appearance since his life-threatening illness over two years ago, with Tommy Mooney making way.

Today’s referee was Eddie Ilderton, taking charge of an Oxford game for the first time. He showed a late yellow card to Dave Mackay. The attendance was a grim northern 2,333. We hope someone will see fit to send in a match report for us to publish tomorrow.

This was the fourth time in the last five seasons that the Us have fallen at the first hurdle in the FA Cup. At least our league position hasn’t deteriorated this week. Former United players who found the scoresheet in the first round include Richard Walker, who put Bristol Rovers ahead in their 1-1 draw with Conference club Carlisle. Jefferson Louis was Forest Green Rovers’ hero, scoring their equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Division Three side Bournemouth. Gavin Gordon scored a last minute goal for Notts County as they beat Woking 2-0. Last night Wayne Hatswell was on target for Kidderminster, but they lost 3-1 at Port Vale. In the Second Division Guy Butters was Brighton’s hero, scoring the only goal in their win at West Ham, while in the First Division Dexter Blackstock scored his first league goal for Southampton as the Saints beat Portsmouth 2-1. In the Hellenic League JP Mills scored Highworth’s second goal in their 2-0 win over Bicester Town, and Adam Hamp was on target for North Leigh as they beat Shortwood by the same score. In the Ryman League Joey Beauchamp scored his 18th goal of the season to give Abingdon Town the lead in their 2-1 win over Ware. In the Unibond League it was Nigel Jemson who popped up to score Ilkeston Town’s final goal in their 4-0 win over Colwyn Bay.