Oxford United are in action again tonight, with a trip to Kidderminster Harriers. Should United win or draw, they will equal two records: Oxford’s best start to a season since turning professional was 15 games unbeaten in 1959, while last season Grays Athletic set the Conference record for an unbeaten start of 15 matches. The Us have so far played 14 games, dropping just six points by virtue of three draws, and they are currently six points ahead of Dagenham & Redbridge at the top of the Conference.

Jim Smith has no new injury worries following the 5-1 win at Forest Green Rovers on Friday night, at least that we know of. Chris Willmott is available for selection, despite picking up his fifth booking of the season at the New Lawn. He will miss Saturday’s home game with Altrincham instead. Smith has made noises about “freshening up” the side, with many interpreting that as meaning a start for Yemi Odubade in place of Steve Basham. He is certainly unlikely to drop Rob Duffy, currently joint leading scorer in the division with 11 goals, from just ten games (four of them are penalties, but even so…). Smith may also bring back Rufus Brevett in place of Matt Day at left wingback, although that would be a bit rough on Matt, who didn’t do anything wrong at Forest Green.

Kiddy have had a bit of a topsy-turvey season so far, having lost at home to St Albans, Weymouth, Tamworth, and Crawley. Their last game, though, was an impressive 2-1 win over Grays Athletic at Aggborough, which shows that United take the Harriers likely at their peril. They will be without Jeff Kenna and Dean Sturridge, who are both long-term injury victims. If United play as well as they are capable, then they should have too much in the locker for Kidderminster to cope with, however with home advantage and the kudos of being the first team to beat the Us, Kiddy will be no pushovers. Rage Online is starting to rediscover some of our natural caution, and we’re predicting a 1-1 draw for this one.

In tonight’s other fixtures, Dagenham are at home to St Albans, and they should use the opportunity to at least maintain their distance behind United, if not make up some ground. Third-placed Weymouth face a tough trip to Crawley, while York in fourth place face a rejuvenated Cambridge United. Burton will be looking to continue their challenge for the play-offs with a trip to Forest Green Rovers, while just behind them Exeter welcome Northwich, and Gravesend entertain Stafford Rangers. Last night Woking beat Aldershot 2-0 to climb up to fifth, leaving the Shots in 9th place.