Oxford City 0 Oxford United 4 (Scott, Hackett, Crosby (pen), Widdrington)

The corresponding fixture last season was drab affair with Omoyinmi grabbing a late winner. This time round
was a far more convincing win. Of the new signings, only Alsop was on view plus former Hartlepool
triallist Tommy Widdrington, who had an impressive game.
United quickly were into their stride as Bound fired over from outside the box, before on 5 minutes United
took the lead. A strong Whitehead run on the right was topped by a cross that everyone expected to be aimed
for the towering presence of Alsop at the back post, instead it was floated short and Andy Scott stole in
unnoticed to glance the ball past Benbow.
Justin Lee has good memories of ties against United (Marlow) and a through ball to Wise put the United
defence in real danger but Bound recovered quickly and the chance was gone.
Hunt, Hackett and McNiven produced a triangular move of real quality to put Hackett through but the young
forward leant back and put the chance over the bar.
On 14 minutes United scored again. A Whitehead corner found Crosby at the back post, and his slide rule pass found Hackett who tapped in.
United were giving their Isthmian league opponents a real footballing lesson, as the home side were hardly
seeing the ball. Widdrington found Hackett but his shot was smothered by Alsop's former team-mate Benbow.
City's last chance of the half came as early as the 18th minute when the lively Ferriera met a long ball
forward but his chip was low enough for Woodman to gather.
United were playing delightful if surprising football as Widdrington found Hackett again and having done the
difficult part by outpacing Julian Dark he rather blotted his copy book by shooting over.
City midfielder Lewis Craker obviously saw Hackett as the danger man judging by the agricultural challenge
on him. On a more competitive day it is doubtful whether he would have stayed on the field.
The last action of the half saw Whitehead head over the bar, before a superb Hunt cross was headed
narrowly wide by Alsop.
City sent out virtually a new side for the second half, but with precisely no difference to the pattern
of play.  In fact City were positively caught cold in the searing heat. Wimble brought down Hackett just
inside the box and Crosby tucked away the penalty with ease.
City were reduced to attacking purely through set plays as Ballard headed over from a free kick.
Blackstock came on to provide a lively presence up front which meant Andy Scott had a short stint at
centre half before going off with a facial gash.
United made it four on 61 minutes when Widdrington capped a fine performance by lashing home from just
outside the box.
City were working hard and on 70 minutes a ball over the top found Phelan who successfully lobbed Woodman but was adjudged marginally offside.
Blackstock teased the City defence as the clock wound down but by this time many of the press had long since seen enough and left (Tim Russon most notably- he left at half time!). They missed the moment of the game, as Jamie Brooks made an emotional return to the side with 3 minutes left and who cares that he didn't  touch the ball? Even the City fans applauded.....I wonder if the Oxford Mail regrets not having a picture?
Darrell supplied them with one, but they failed to use it, their loss, United We Stand's gain.