United wrecked

Oxford went down 4-1 at home to Wrexham in a vital relegation clash, despite being the better side for long periods. Wrexham's first goal was scored by Karl Connolly following a short corner for which United weren't ready. Daniel Allsopp, on loan from Manchester City, extended their lead just a minute after the restart before Oxford pulled a goal back, Christian Edwards heading home on his debut with twenty minutes to go. United then looked likely to equalise before a fatal blunder by Pål Lundin allowed Allsopp in for his second with just ten minutes remaining. Darren Ferguson sealed the game two minutes from time to leave United once again deep in the mire. United started the game with several enforced changes due to Phil Whelan's and Steve Davis's suspensions and Mark Watson still absent on international duty for Canada. Edwards made his debut in the centre of defence alongside Les Robinson, whilst Simon Weatherstone played at right back. Steve Anthrobus started the game playing on the left wing as Paul Tait failed to appear. Denis Smith made a double substitution immediately after United's goal, replacing Anthrobus and Craig Russell with Jamie Cook and Derek Lilley. Weatherstone was booked for a foul. More gripes in this match report.
United remain fifth from bottom, still three points above the drop zone, thanks to a fortunate combination of results involving our relegation rivals: Blackpool lost 2-0 at Bournemouth; Scunthorpe 2-1 at Bristol City; Cambridge 2-0 at home to Millwall, for whom Paul Moody scored both goals; Cardiff 2-1 at Notts County, for whom Alex Dyer scored the 89th minute winner; and even Reading joined in, losing 2-0 at bottom club Chesterfield.

Windy day in Bradford

Bradford City's equaliser in their 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at Valley Parade was scored by the man with the lugs, Dean Windass. Former United loanee Marco Gabbiadini scored his customary goal as Darlington won 2-1 at Mansfield. Former Manor triallist Junior Mendes scored the winner for St Mirren as they won 2-1 at Raith (where no dancing took place).

Watty's day tomorrow

Tomorrow sees the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final in Los Angeles between Canada and Colombia, who will include Faustino Asprilla in their line up. Canada, ranked 85th in the world by FIFA, amazed everybody, including themselves, by reaching the final, and as the Gold Cup's only remaining North American team Canada qualifies for the next Confederations Cup even before playing the South Americans, who are ranked 24th. Oxford's Canadian international Mark Watson said “We're going through growing pains, I'm not going to lie and say that we've played fantastically. We have to play to our strengths, which are defending well and using our physical stature.”