United take on Conference South side Lewes FC[@opponent]Lewes FC[/@opponent] this evening in the FA Trophy first round replay, after the sides drew 0-0 in Sussex on Saturday[@news]613[/@news]. The prize for the winners is a home game against Halifax on 13 January[@news]614[/@news]. The match at Lewes was a close affair, and the home side had the better chances and could have won, so United will have to be careful tonight, and certainly won't be taking anything for granted.

Jim Smith is likely to make some changes to the side that played at the Dripping Pan, with youth team goalkeeper Tommy Franklin likely to be on the bench after Chris Tardif had to return to the Channel Islands after a family illness. It will be interesting to see whether he retains the 4-4-2 formation, despite the struggles that it had to impose itself on the midfield, not rectified until Carl Pettefer and Andy Burgess came on. It is also possible that Steve Basham might start, after he made a significant difference to the side when he came off the bench with five minutes remaining.

The conditions at the ground are okay, although visibility is poor and if the fog gets much thicker then there could be some doubt about the game taking place. Whatever, it is certainly very cold in Minchery Farm, and with temperatures certain to drop below freezing this evening, Rage Online advises everyone to wear an extra pair of socks and a woolly jumper. There is likely to be a crowd of around 1700 for this evening's match, and Rage Online is reasonably confident that they will witness an Oxford victory. We suggested 3-0 in our prediction for the first game, and despite all evidence to the contrary we can see no reason to change that for the replay. There will definitely be someone going through to face the Shaymen after this evening, as the game will go to a replay and penalties if necessary.

In other news, former Us defender John 'Tumble' Dreyer [@player]Dreyer, John[/@player]will be doing the laundry at Nene Park, as Rushden & Diamonds' new manager Graham Westley has appointed him as the new assistant boss in Irthlingborough. Meanwhile, Darren Patterson [@player]Patterson, Darren[/@player]is the firm favourite to be appointed as Brentford's new manager. Patto has done a fantastic job in taking United's under-18s to an 11-point lead at the top of the Puma Youth Alliance South West Division. If, as expected, Patto's appointment is confirmed this week, then Rage Online would like to wish the former United defender lots of luck in his new post. He's going to need it. It is possible that his 8-day appointment as United's manager last season is the shortest managerial tenure for a league club for someone with a contract. Who knows?