United made it three games unbeaten and were unlucky not to make it three wins in a row as they drew 0-0 at Forest Green Rovers. The U's created the better chances but had to settle for a point, with one crucial refereeing decision having a big say in the result...
With Jamie Hand making his second 'debut' and Craig McAllister and James Clarke back in the starting line up and the magnificent Oxford fans outnumbering their hosts again there was a great atmosphere at kick off, and Barry Quinn nearly gave the U's the perfect start with a header on four minutes which keeper Terry Burton had to tip away.
The boys in blue opened brightly, pressing Forest Green deep into their own territory, with McAllister and Justin Richards showing a good understanding and Hand steadily making his mark in the centre of the park. The former Watford man had a shot on 21 which went wide but the willingness to take on a shot from 25 yards is clearly still there and bodes well for goals for the future.
A bobbly pitch and swirling wind made it difficult for both teams but The U's were trying to get it down to pass, and when they did on 31 a magnificent pass from Anaclet freed Richards, who advanced into the area but chose to pass square rather than try and beat Burton, allowing the danger to be cleared. It was a good chance for the hard working Richards and the best opportunity of a first half that United had had the better of.
They really should have had a penalty 58 seconds into the second half as Richards rounded the right back and was unexpectedly wrestled to the ground. A clear foul, certain penalty, awarded as a free kick to Forest Green instead!
The home side, with top scorer Stuart Fleetwood out on the right wing, looked dangerous from set pieces and from left back Tony Tonkin's long throws but the United defence were comfortable enough in open play and providing a solid base for United to build on.
Anaclet had a curling right footed effort well saved on 51 minutes, Richards a twenty yarder saved on 57 and McAllister's surging run and cross on 63 almost found the breakthrough that United were chasing. Anaclet, having run himself into the sand, was replaced by debutant Ryan Semple for the last twenty minutes or so and Matt Green replaced the impressive McAllister soon after.
Two crunching tackles from Hand and Murray in the eightieth minute typified the determination and effort that the new 'engine room' had shown all afternoon and once they settle together they will be a formidable pair. Last gasp efforts from Green and Blackwood were blocked by some heroic defending by the Rovers before a break and shot from Green in injury time saw Burton again perform heroics to save low to his right.
All of which confirmed that United are on the right lines but still have work to do. There were certainly encouraging signs, and they now have two home games in a week against Cambridge and Burton which will again test them against teams higher in the division and give them a chance to continue their progress.
Report Chris Williams, Pictures Darrell Fisher
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Att:1,624
Away: 816
