Oxford United made it three wins out of four against bottom-of-the-table Stafford Rangers at Grenoble Road this afternoon. Stafford were rarely in the game, and would be grateful that the scoreline wasn't as emphatic as it should have been, but for some profligate finishing from United. The first half was a fairly quiet affair, with Billy Turley virtually a spectator, although Danny Alcock wasn't troubled too much either. When United did eventually make the breakthrough that their superior football deserved, it came seconds before the half-time whistle. Michael Standing played the ball to Alex Jeannin, and his ball found Phil Trainer round the back of the Stafford defence. Trainer advanced a couple of paces and lashed the ball low past Alcock.

United doubled their lead right at the start of the second half. Just 19 seconds had passed when Trainer received the ball 25 yards out, and smashed an unstoppable shot past Alcock. Oxford should have gone on to thrash a desperately poor Stafford side, but good chances were missed by Yemi Odubade (on at least three occasions), Trainer (twice), and Marvin Robinson. In addition, Yemi had a cast-iron penalty appeal turned down for the second game in succession. United had a scare when a snap shot from distance hit the top of Turley's crossbar, and with just over ten minutes remaining they were punished for their profligacy. Michael Corcoran won the ball with what seemed a perfectly good tackle, but the referee deemed that he had gone in with studs showing and awarded Rangers a free kick, 20 yards out. Stafford's best player, Craig McAughtrie, took the free kick, but the wall jumped over his low shot and the ball snuck into the near corner of the net. There was still time for Eddie Anaclet to weave his way through the Stafford defence before shooting just wide. United will be happy with the three points, but less happy that they squandered a glorious chance to establish some decent goal difference. Stafford, sadly for David Oldfield, already look doomed to a relegation battle.[@news]2166[/@news][@opponent]stafford rangers[/@opponent]

Jim Smith made one change to the side that won 2-1 at Burton last Sunday, replacing Luke Foster in the centre of midfield with Standing. At half time Standing made way for Danny Rose, making his first appearance of the season, and the first since he returned to the club. With 20 minutes left Marvin Robinson replaced the ineffective Gary Twigg, while just five minutes before the end Rob Duffy reappeared, coming on for Yemi.

Today's referee was Steve Creighton, who booked two Stafford players, but none from Oxford. The attendance was just 4,617, boosted by 89 fans from Stafford. Despite being so poor, it was still easily the highest crowd in the division, but is perhaps a reflection that the people of Oxford are starting to get a bit pissed off with this Conference lark.

The win lifts United up to sixth place, one point behind the leaders Exeter City, who won 3-2 at Droyslden today, leaving the Bloods sixth from bottom. Stafford remain bottom without a point, just below Crawley on goal difference, who are on zero points despite winning twice, having had six points deducted for failing to pay off their CVA in time, although that's subject to an appeal. Crawley beat Northwich Victoria 2-1 today, leaving the Vics fifth from bottom.

Second in the table are Cambridge United, whose 100 per cent record was broken with a 0-0 draw at Woking. Torquay United are third after they beat Rushden & Diamonds 3-2. The Gulls' goals included strikes by Tim Sills and Chris Zebroski. In fourth place are Stevenage Borough, whom United visit in the live TV clash on Monday evening. Borough won 2-0 at Kidderminster Harriers last night. Also 2-0 winners last night were Forest Green Rovers, whose win at York City leaves them in fifth place, while the Minstermen are fourth from bottom. Ebbsfleet United are one place behind Oxford following their 1-0 win over Halifax, while Aldershot are eighth after they won 2-1 at Histon last night. Today's other results saw a Jon Ashton goal for Grays Athletic secure a 1-0 win at Altrincham, and a 2-2 draw between Farsley Celtic and Salisbury City.