Sun says stuff in sex scandal soccer shocker

United made the front page of today's tabloids with an out-of-date non-story (or nonsense story) about the Bishop of Oxford exorcising a gypsy curse at the Kassam Stadium. Whereas the saying that all publicity is good publicity applies in this case, there is also a similar maxim that states that all superstition is bollox which is probably more applicable.

If truth be told United have been crap for a lot longer than gypsies (or anyone else) have been squatting at Minchery Farm and whilst, as the Bish so rightly said, an exorcism or blessing ceremony couldn't hurt, one also has to wonder why he doesn't get himself a proper day job. Another, alternative, theory that we like as to why United are crap at home (other than the fact that we're just not very good) concerns competing magic forces between the Saxon South Oxfordshire and the disparate influences of the City of Oxford, with the football ground caught in the middle. That one is probably too much even for the Bish to bash, bosh.

How long is the second string?

Long enough to tie, it would seem, as the reserves drew yet again. This time it was against Southend at Oxford City's Court Place Farm ground. United fielded a strong side including Phil Gray, for his first game since returning from loan to Boston, and loanee Stuart Douglas alongside him up front. Also playing for United were triallists Michael Meaker at right wing back and Steve Torpey at left wing back, both of whom were steady if not spectacular.

Yet again it was French striker Norman Sylla who was responsible for United making the breakthrough, his cross being turned in by Jorden Holder to give United the lead quarter of an hour from the final whistle. Both players had started on the bench but came on to good effect.

Southend equalised ten minutes later when Jason Harris shot past Richard Knight. Overall it was a good performance from the reserves with Sylla and Simon King looking particularly impressive, and at least they didn't lose, but then there haven't been any gypsy curses over in Marston…