This Team Has Guts!

Well, at first glance the Stevange result might be seen as a shade disappointing.  This disappointment would only be because United need to win virtually every game until the end of the season to stand a chance of making the play-offs.  However, in all other respects this was a huge performance.

Damien Batt, who signed a 2 year contract the day before this game, was sent off midway through the first half for a professional foul.  Doubly disappointing as Batt's contribution in recent matches had certainly lent weight to the argument that he is the best right-back in non-league football.  Up to this point the Yellows had more than held their own - indeed only poor execution from a succession of corners possibly preventing them from taking the lead.

United did not buckle or bend.  Luke Foster was immense and despite going behind, the U's continued to ask the Stevenage defence searching questions.  James Constable, as always, ran and ran.  Harrying and bulldozing is his game.  It was Constable who netted the penalty after Adam Chapman had been fouled.

This is a team of immense confidence and grit...and no little skill.  I honestly cannot see a side in this division matching Oxford at the moment.  I strongly believe they will win the remainder of their fixtures this year - yes including Burton away - and will march into the play offs.

Chris Wilder has been the architect of this incredible turnaround in Oxford's fortunes.  Perhaps the fans should be more worried about losing his skills rather than those of any single player...