Oxford United won their third successive away game this afternoon, when a late Phil Trainer goal gave them a 1-0 win at Weymouth. Oxford were made to work hard for their win, especially in the first half when the Terras, fighting against relegation, put United under the cosh for long periods. The first real opportunity fell the home side's way, as Billy Turley saved well from Michael Malcolm after 13 minutes. Turley had to be alert again to save a James Coutts shot midway through the half, and again shortly afterwards when Mark Convery threatened. Turley then had to be quick off his line when Coutts again broke clear, as the first half hour was all Weymouth. It wasn't until shortly before half time when Oxford forced Stephen Henderson into his first real action, as he dropped a Trainer corner and Matt Day's follow-up was cleared off the line.

The second half saw Oxford come much more into the game, and following Eddie Anaclet's shot that went over six minutes after the break, United continued to ask the questions. Adam Murray went close and Justin Richards had a shot blocked before, with ten minutes to go, the home side carved out their best chance. Malcolm found himself one-on-one with just Turley, but the goalie narrowed the angle well and the Weymouth player shot wide. United scored a couple of minutes later in a move involving Yemi Odubade and Craig McAllister, before Anaclet's excellent cross found Trainer at the far post to head back across Henderson and into the net. From this point United were the only team likely to win, and they created three more glorious opportunities to extend their lead. First, an appalling goalkick by Henderson fell straight to McAllister, who advanced into the area but allowed the ball to go straight back to the keeper. Then Jamie Hand tried a shot from 40 yards that cannoned back off the crossbar, and almost immediately Trainer's shot hit the post. Another good away win and performance from United, but they're going to have to play like they did in the second half more consistently, and also at home, if they are to convince supporters that they can challenge for promotion next season.

Darren Patterson made just one change to the side that lost at home to Northwich Victoria last Saturday, replacing the suspended Luke Foster with Jamie Clarke. Clarke played at right back, with Day moving into the centre alongside Barry Quinn. The game effectively turned on a double substitution, made with just over ten minutes remaining. The starting strike partnership of Richards and Matt Green was replaced by Odubade and McAllister, both of whom were heavily involved in the move that led to the winning goal, just a few minutes later.[@news]2297[/@news][@opponent]weymouth[/@opponent]

The match official was Simon Hooper, whose three previous encounters with United have all been cup games of one type or another, most recently in the Setanta Shield at Aldershot. He started off well enough, allowing the game to flow and keeping his cards in his pocket, but he lost it a bit towards the end, booking Yemi for failing to retreat quickly enough at a free kick, despite allowing similar offences to go unpunished earlier, and he also showed Quinn a yellow card despite appearing to win the ball when tackling Stuart Beavon. Today's attendance was 1,635, among whom the Yellow contingent were in good voice.

The win lifts United back up to 13th place, but more significantly it drops Weymouth into the relegation zone, the Terras now fourth from bottom. Bottom side Droylsden lost 2-0 at home to Cambridge United, who rose to third as a result. Stafford Rangers remain level on points with the Bloods after losing 4-3 at Northwich Victoria, for whom Lee Steele scored again, grabbing the Vics' first. This leaves Northwich in 19th place, one point above Weymouth. Halifax's 1-1 home draw with Forest Green Rovers leaves the Shaymen third from bottom, three points from safety but with a game in hand on most of those above them, while Rovers remain seventh. Altrincham drew 1-1 at Kidderminster Harriers to leave Alty fifth from bottom, one point ahead of Weymouth, but having played two games more. Farsley Celtic did their survival hopes a power of good with an astonishing 1-0 win at second-placed Torquay United, leaving Celtic three points above the Terras, and the Gulls squawking in fear at the prospect of hosting Oxford on Tuesday.

Aldershot stretched their lead at the top to 17 points after they beat Salisbury City 2-1. Burton Albion stuttered, going down 3-2 at home to Grays Athletic to stay in fifth place, but in danger of dropping out of the play-off positions, as Exeter City are currently winning 1-0 at Stevenage Borough, thanks to a Steve Basham goal, in the battle between fourth and sixth-placed teams. If the Grecians win they will climb above Burton. The day's biggest scorers were Crawley Town, who thrashed York City 6-1, with Jamie Cook scoring the last goal, in injury time. Ebbsfleet United and Woking drew 1-1.