On the face of things this was the right result from a quite appalling game. On a previous report I commented that I hate multiple substitutions. Farnborough obviously read it because they responded by making a mere 13! Oh well. In addition, Farnborough played the second half in their new change strip, which sported a return to the old badge after playing the first in last season’s kit with Westley’s firm on the front obliterated by tape. In short, out with the old and in with the new.

Intriguingly Oxford made a very late switch with Ciampoli replacing Louis in the starting eleven, making one wonder what went on behind closed doors.

The game started brightly with both sides trying to attack, but it became quickly obvious that whilst triallist Simpson, Townsley and Oldfield could control the midfield their was not enough devilment (to coin an Atkins phrase) up front to cause any problems to the Farnborough defence. Too be fair (oops there I go again) Farnborough looked a long way from the side shorn of their best players last season, and Van Dommele had to play well to thwart Ken Charlery.  A chance fell to Charlery as Hutchings dispossessed Scott , who should never attempt the wing back role again, but Cox did well to gather, diving at his feet. Soon after there was a classic Manny moment as a glorious Oldfield diagonal ball put the forward clean through but somehow he managed to put the chance wide. Belgrave’s pace was testing the U’s defence and he sped past Lovegrove before his shot was well saved by Cox, who once again was having a good game.

On 14 minutes an agricultural challenge by Daniel on Ciampoli made it fortunate that both players were able to continue, before a raking ball from Weatherstone found Hayes in front of Ciampoli but his free header was straight at Cox. Townsley responded by covering the back post whenever Farnborough attacked.

It was obvious that if OUFC were to score it was not going to be from the forwards. On 30 minutes Scott’s whipped in corner found Townsley on the penalty spot and he was allowed to turn and shoot unimpeded. In any case keeper Packham  should have got to the ball but he contrived to dive over the top and United had the lead.

The U’s finished the game controlling matters with the midfield, so it was inevitable that thing would change in the second.

With the complete change in Farnborough personnel the second half was always going to be a very different affair, and so it came to pass. Chances early on came at premium, and it took a pointless foul on Oldfield after 54 minutes to create a free kick just outside of the box for Oldfield himself blasted wide.

Farnborough gradually took the ascendancy and a wonderful long ball to Andy Patterson from Wild produced a fine saving header from Darren Patterson to steal the chance form the forward.

It was inevitable as the chances stacked up that Farnborough would find a way back in since Louis spent his time on the field looking little more than a disinterested spectator, and on 78 minutes they equalized.

A quick diagonal ball from the left bisected Patterson and Van Dommele and Chaaban slammed the chance home.

All that remained was to play out time and work out how on earth OUFC are going to get Omoyinmi and Louis off the wage bill.