A Phil Trainer strike gave United a vital win at Farsley this afternoon. The midfielder's low shot on 54 minutes ensured that United got back to winning ways against a hard working Celtic team.

After seeing Torquay storm back from three goals down at the break on Thursday United went for broke from the start this time, sacrificing their usual 3-5-2 formation and starting out 4-3-3 with Stef Bailey and Jordan Rhodes making debuts and Danny Rose joining Rhodes and Yemi Odubade up front. It paid off in terms of territory in the first quarter of the game as United pushed Farsley deeper and deeper, but neither side managed a shot on target  by the time we got to half an hour, and the grey skies overhead just about matched the game to that stage

It wasn't for any lack of effort. Rhodes looked mobile and bright up front while fellow debutant Stefan Bailey looked a very solid presence in the middle of the park where much of that opening spell was played. It was Rhodes who almost broke the deadline as we got to the 30 minute mark, only just missing a fine Jeannin cross, and the 17 year old went even closer a minute later as he checked back on to his right foot and curled a very deliberate effort from 22 yards which was heading for the top corner until the fingertips of keeper Morgan tipped it away.

United were on top at that stage so there was  an inevitability about Farsley having the next chance, with Crossley missing his header five yards out from  a left wing free kick. The home side looked well organised and disciplined, with veteran Chris Billy looking much more sturdy than the Ikea bookcase named in his honour and blotting out any surges which United's midfielders made to join the attack. Rhodes was again close to the mark on 38 as he flicked a header wide from a Jeannin free kick on the right, and the Ipswich yougster can be very pleased with his senior debut.

Having looked good for fifteen minutes or so United eased up just short of the line as we approached half time, and nearly paid the price as Reeves' cross came in from the left and Lee Tuck nipped in front of the U's entire defence to slam in a shot which beat Turley but hammered back into play off the underside of the bar.

United started the second half with much more intent and purpose and one of the two new boys almost found that elusive first goal on 51 as Bailey slipped the ball through for Danny Rose, whose low shot was tipped over. It was Rose's last contribution as he made way for Matt Day and a change to 4-4-2, a change that paid immediate dividends as they took the lead.

On 54 minutes Day threw in, the ball came back to the left and skipper Phil Gilchrist sent in a fine cross which Rhodes rose well to challenge for. The ball broke off Rhodes to Trainer, who took deliberate aim and fired the ball past the diving Morgan and into the net for his third of the season and a vital break through.

United were full value for their lead and started to create more chances. Trainer got in on goal but Morgan saved, Odubade was a lace's width away from converting Rhodes' cross, and the game was there for the taking.

Farsley are a team of characters and kept going well, and on 74 minutes the lively Tuck thumped a shot against the post with Turley beaten. Turley had to save bravely at the feet of Tuck a minute later as well, and the Farsley striker looks to have a bright future if this performance is anything to go by.

United might have killed the game completely as Farsley tired, and Rhodes almost did that on 84 as he turned superbly but saw Morgan tip his shot round the post, and the last few minutes saw United with two seventeen year olds up front as Alex Fisher got a late debut. Paul Shaw out at 34, Fisher and Rhodes in at 17: two for one!

United then killed the game, playing sensibly and taking the sting out of the game, with the superb Chris Willmott and Phil Gilchrist using all of their experience to make sure that the three points came Oxford's way. When they did concede a chance the impressive Foster was there to make a win saving tackle on 88 minutes as Tuck prepared to tuck the ball away. An important win, achieved with commitment and belief.

Let's start from there.

Report Chris Williams

Att: 1219, Away 322