Oxford United return to Conference action tomorrow, with a visit to Northfleet. This is United’s 19th league game of the season, and if they remain unbeaten they will still be some way short of the Conference record set by Altrincham in 1990/91 of 28 games. However, they will be very close to equalling United’s own unbeaten sequence of 20 league games, set over the 1983/84 and 1984/85 seasons.

Jim Smith has extended his options by bringing in Grays Athletic striker Jamie Slabber on a one-month loan deal. The happy Slabber is a former Tottenham player who never quite made the grade, despite receiving some rave reviews. He has also failed to impress at Grays, but Smith believes that he has the necessary pedigree to succeed, and is prepared to take a chance. He is likely to start against Gravesend, probably alongside Steve Basham, allowing Smith to use Yemi Odubade’s pace off the bench, especially as Slabber is probably short of match fitness. Rob Duffy is still nursing his broken finger, but might make the bench. The other choice that Smith has to make is at left wingback, where Gavin Johnson has proven that he is fit again following his excellent free-kick goal at Wycombe last week. However, Rufus Brevett won’t give up his place without a fight, leaving Smith with a nice problem. Andy Burgess should be fit to resume his place in midfield after missing the Wycombe game with a calf strain, leaving Steady Eddie Hutchinson on the bench, probably.

United have a decent record against Gravesend, having won 14 of the 27 meetings, and scoring 65 goals in the process, including 22 goals in the last three meetings. However, as the last match between the sides was in February 1962, this isn’t really a particularly useful guide to current form. More telling is that the Fleet have lost their last three matches, including going down 1-0 at Chelmsford in the FA Cup 4th Qualifying round and, just as embarrassing, losing 3-0 at Cambridge United last weekend. However, they did win their last home game, beating Woking 1-0. There are two ex-Us at Gravesend, although it’s possible that neither will face United tomorrow. Rob Quinn is suspended after his booking at Cambridge, while Paul McCarthy faces a late fitness test on an ankle sprain. Rage Online is, as ever, hedging our bets on this one, predicting a 1-1 draw.

The other Conference game tomorrow of major significance to United sees 4th-placed Burton Albion visit Dagenham & Redbridge. Weymouth, who are third, host York City, in fifth place.