It’s off to Macclesfield on Saturday for United, as the Us bid to end a run of four successive defeats and climb out of the relegation mire. Firoz Kassam has expressed his dissatisfaction with United’s current poor form, saying on Radio Oxford that if things haven’t turned around after the next two games (against Macclesfield and Cheltenham) then he would have to consider what action to take to remedy matters. Kassam didn’t go so far as to hint that he would reconsider Graham Rix’s position as manager, although some might interpret his remarks that way, but it is possible that he might give Rix the green light to bring in at least one extra player, especially now that Julian Alsop is off the payroll. Alsop has signed a short-term contract with Northampton Town, surprising given the nature of the allegations made against him, that he supposedly sexually assaulted a youth team player with a banana. Investigations are ongoing at the club, and Alsop still has the right of appeal, so as yet the truth behind the rumours remains unproven.

Good news for Oxford ahead of Saturday’s game is that Jon Ashton is back in training, and could feature in the match. The defence could certainly do with Ashton’s pace and commitment, despite his tendency to commit one potentially fatal error per match. Following Chris Tardif having to be substituted at Northampton on Tuesday with a back injury, it is unclear whether he or Simon Cox will start in goal, but the remainder of the side will probably be unchanged, unless Rix alters the tactics.

Macclesfield are managed by our old mucker Brian Horton, and by their standards are having an incredibly good season so far. They are currently sixth, and have lost just once at home, 1-0 against Notts County on October 10th. Their danger man is probably Matthew Tipton, but they also feature Tommy Widdrington, who had a trial with United before the start of last season, scoring a spectacular goal at Oxford City. We would like to think that the club’s situation would lead to the players rising above themselves and putting in a performance to silence the critics. Unfortunately we’re realists, and predict a 2-0 home win.

Of more importance is Raging Fever’s game in the morning against Macc supporters. Fresh from their stunning victory over the Lincoln fans the Fever will be looking to continue their good form, although will be travelling with a depleted squad. We’ll let you know…