Tom Thewlis

Cheltenham Town 2 Oxford United 1

United crashed to a 4th straight league defeat away at the hands of Cheltenham Town this evening. A goal in each half from Darren Carter and Shaun Harrad, followed by a consolation goal for the visitors via the left boot of Peter Leven, did the damage in what was an energetic end to end game, full of chances for both sides.

United made three changes to the side that were hammered at Burton on Saturday, with summer loan signing Lee Cox returning into the anchor man role in the midfield. Jon Paul Pittman and Tom Craddock both came into the attack, following on from impressive substitute appearances at the weekend.

The match began at a lively pace, with Pittman hugely impressive for the visitors with his willingness to run at and take on the Cheltenham defence, with two powerful efforts in quick succession in which he cut in from the right perfectly. However disaster struck for the Oxford striker as after barely 10 minutes he was taken off when he landed awkwardly after shooting, being replaced by Alfie Potter.

Both teams had chances in the early stages, although the majority of United