Oxford United 0 York City 0

5:00pm Saturday 23rd February 2013 in Sport Photograph of the Author By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

DEFENCES were on top as Oxford United were held to a goalless draw at home to York City.

The home side had the better of the game, but lacked the guile to take advantage.

Josh Parker came as close as anyone in yellow to breaking the deadlock, forcing York goalkeeper Michael Ingham into a superb save with a fierce drive.

The hosts pushed forward in search of a goal after the break, but clear opportunities became increasingly difficult to forge.

York, who arrived bottom of League Two's form table, were far happier with the result.

Their best chance also came before the break, when Matty Blair saw a close range header saved.

Alfie Potter and Michael Duberry returned to the squad but were named among the substitutes as U's boss Chris Wilder had the luxury of naming an unchanged side for the first time since August.

Parker was given another chance after deputising well for Potter at Plymouth last week and he was quickly in the action.

The winger found Sean Rigg in the fourth minute and his pull-back fell to Tom Craddock, whose shot was well blocked.

Adam Chapman curled a free-kick wide a minute later, before York got a grip on the game.

It was not until the 25th minute that either goalkeeper was stretched, when Ingham dived to his left to tip a fierce Parker drive around the post.

The kick-off was held up for five minutes after officials discovered the goal at the Oxford Mail Stand End was not level.

The problem was quickly rectified, but the work was hardly needed, as York barely threatened.

Apart from wild efforts from long range, they created just one opening before the break, although arguably it was the clearest chance either side created.

A lung-bursting run from Lanre Oyebanjo opened up the U's back four and when the cross came in Blair could only head straight at Luke McCormick.

It was a waste and the forward knew it, holding his head in his hands as York boss Gary Mills did the same on the touchline.

United finished the half on top, with Craddock heading wide and Constable shooting over.

York started the second half well and Ashley Chambers had two efforts on goal.

Both missed the target, but his second, a curler from 20 yards, almost caught out McCormick as it dipped on to the roof of the net.

United brought on Potter and Deane Smalley for Craddock and Rigg in a bid to freshen the hosts up.

It had a limited impact, as Ingham was rarely troubled after the break.

The City goalkeeper did well to take a whipped cross from Parker under pressure, but was otherwise not really tested.

United had opportunities from which to create, including a host of corners, but they could not break City's stubborn resistance.

Unfortunately for the hosts their best opening of the closing stages fell to Michael Raynes. Potter teed him up well on the edge of the box, but the defender's volley lacked power and was easily caught by Ingham.

It was the final good opportunity, as United were forced to settle with a point.

Oxford Utd (4-4-2): McCormick, Batt, Raynes, Wright, Davis, Parker, Chapman, Montrose, Rigg (Smalley 65) Constable, Craddock (Potter 54).

Unused subs: Crocombe, O'Brien, Duberry, Heslop, Whing.

York (4-5-1): Ingham, Parslow, Smith, O'Connell, Oyebanjo, Kerr, Rodman, McGrath, Blair, Walker (Rankine 90), Chambers (Bullock 81).

Unused subs: Musselwhite, McDaid, Potts, McLaughlin, Allan.

Attendance: 5,808 (319 visitors).

Referee: Tony Harrington.

Comments(34)

senior supporter says...
7:18pm Sat 23 Feb 13

What a boring game between two poor sides who couldnt pass, no speed ,no skill, and apart from Jake Wright who was a class above, no interest. We froze our socks off watching this rubbish, you would have thought the players could try to entertain. I have supported Chris Wilder all season but am now having second thoughts and am tempted to foin the "Wilder Out " brigade. The last five home games have produced 3 draws and 2 defeats and we havnt scored more than one goal in any of them.The time has come for drastic action from the Chairman.

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foxvox says...
7:33pm Sat 23 Feb 13

I had a lovely time at the game today, nice chat with fellow season ticket holders, good half time entertainment .... and then there was the football. The best thing about today was that London Welsh lost. The pitch was poor, the football worse but anyone who suggests that there is no effort should watch Beano, he shares our frustration. Craddock was a waste of time but the rest at least seemed to be trying. They need coaching, the same mistakes are being made as they were three years ago, nobody on the far post at corners, poor crosses, poor corners, no imagination at free kicke. The fault lies entirely with the management team, they need replacing with about ten games to go, enough time to assess the squad and get some new faces in next season. I hoe some background talks are taking place with Graham Westley.

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karatavuk says...
7:46pm Sat 23 Feb 13

Only another 13 games to endure and then we can celebrate the end of Wilder.

Good riddance. Do us a favour Chrissy and go away now. We know you are only here for the pay cheque. The players know it too.
You might get a job at Banbury United or North Leigh. Go for it!

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oldun says...
8:15pm Sat 23 Feb 13

COYY - just nine points off the play offs. Up we go!!

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oldun says...
8:15pm Sat 23 Feb 13

COYY - just nine points off the play offs. Up we go!!

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dorsetbob says...
11:42pm Sat 23 Feb 13

Good point , closer now to avoiding relegation, wasted season but never mind new manager, next season. The one good point ,best attendance in the division again under achievement on a massive scale, the supporters deserve far better

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Doctor69 says...
2:28am Sun 24 Feb 13

Another terrible home performance, possibly the worst yet. Why can't our centre mid players pass to a yellow shirt? Chapman gives the ball away over and over again. We create nothing in the way of decent goal scoring chances. I honestly don't think I have seen worse football than is being served up at the moment.

All the good work wilder has done is rapidly being forgotten. Personally I can't wait to see him go. We need to start calling for his head at games now. Wilder out wilder out.....

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BigCrompy says...
4:15am Sun 24 Feb 13

oldun wrote:
COYY - just nine points off the play offs. Up we go!!
Oh, Jesus wept...

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oldun says...
6:36am Sun 24 Feb 13

BigCrompy wrote:
oldun wrote:
COYY - just nine points off the play offs. Up we go!!
Oh, Jesus wept...
Crompy - that rotund female is not even mounting the podium. COYY - play offs for us at the end of this season. Don't know you (or Chet) , Crompy - but most people who add big to their name are either fat and/or insecure. No doubt you are 6 feet 4 and 13 stones of muscle and L Welsh want you as a centre . Have a great one.

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BigCrompy says...
7:52am Sun 24 Feb 13

oldun wrote:
BigCrompy wrote:
oldun wrote:
COYY - just nine points off the play offs. Up we go!!
Oh, Jesus wept...
Crompy - that rotund female is not even mounting the podium. COYY - play offs for us at the end of this season. Don't know you (or Chet) , Crompy - but most people who add big to their name are either fat and/or insecure. No doubt you are 6 feet 4 and 13 stones of muscle and L Welsh want you as a centre . Have a great one.
Fat, insecure, and/or joking.

Well I'm two of those.

13 stone is about right, and as for my height, let's just say you're within about two feet.

Blind optimism is terribly cute, but this season is a write off. Far too many teams above us deserve it more. I'm all for backing our team to the hilt, but this team is more reminiscent of 79-80 (rubbish) than 82-83 (bubbling under).

Time for a rethink and a fresh start next time. Surely you'd concur that 0-0 at home to York after home reverses to Rovers and Fleetwood REALLY isn't good enough?

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BigAlBiker says...
9:15am Sun 24 Feb 13

Forgive me repeating myself but while we have donkeys in midfield who can't run or pass were going nowhere, Montrose, Heslop, Leven, Chapman could all do with some sprint training, especially Montrose who gets swamped by players every time.

The man who gets these donkeys in and his team should go, they have done well at conference level but he can't cut it here.

Pathetic is what I would call yesterday's game.

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Isawyoucoming says...
9:22am Sun 24 Feb 13

oldun wrote:
COYY - just nine points off the play offs. Up we go!!
deluded

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A Scroat says...
9:49am Sun 24 Feb 13

BigAlBiker wrote:
Forgive me repeating myself but while we have donkeys in midfield who can't run or pass were going nowhere, Montrose, Heslop, Leven, Chapman could all do with some sprint training, especially Montrose who gets swamped by players every time.

The man who gets these donkeys in and his team should go, they have done well at conference level but he can't cut it here.

Pathetic is what I would call yesterday's game.
Spot on Al. Do the numpties ever practise corners or free kicks in training? I would guess we get about 300 corners in a season and possibly score from one.

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oldun says...
9:59am Sun 24 Feb 13

BigCrompy wrote:
oldun wrote:
BigCrompy wrote:
oldun wrote:
COYY - just nine points off the play offs. Up we go!!
Oh, Jesus wept...
Crompy - that rotund female is not even mounting the podium. COYY - play offs for us at the end of this season. Don't know you (or Chet) , Crompy - but most people who add big to their name are either fat and/or insecure. No doubt you are 6 feet 4 and 13 stones of muscle and L Welsh want you as a centre . Have a great one.
Fat, insecure, and/or joking.

Well I'm two of those.

13 stone is about right, and as for my height, let's just say you're within about two feet.

Blind optimism is terribly cute, but this season is a write off. Far too many teams above us deserve it more. I'm all for backing our team to the hilt, but this team is more reminiscent of 79-80 (rubbish) than 82-83 (bubbling under).

Time for a rethink and a fresh start next time. Surely you'd concur that 0-0 at home to York after home reverses to Rovers and Fleetwood REALLY isn't good enough?
Hi Crompy
It can be done - if fact both can be done - United going up (COYY) and you losing the necessary 2 plus stones - that excess weight is no good for you. Get that waist down to 31 ins- your health is much more important to you than is United's!

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Joe1 says...
11:39am Sun 24 Feb 13

What was the comment made by one our players "WE NEED TO DO IT FOR THE FANS". Absolute rubbish, what a boring game of Football. We will not achieve anything with a team comprising of the players & the ideas of our current mamagement. The owners need to invest or sell off. badly need investment by Football people who care about our club. We can't score there is not any flare or ideas how to use the spaces available on the pitch.
Our best hope is mid table with this team & management/ownership
.

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oldun says...
11:59am Sun 24 Feb 13

Much dissent now - when, many many months ago I was very pessimistic that United would do well under CW - it was not just a few of you who berated me. Over his years at OUFC, I still give him 6 out of 10 (better than the dross which we have largely suffered for over 12 years- third in the Conference raises his mark to 6). COYY (we can go up this season and save him from the sack )

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moonlight shadow says...
1:27pm Sun 24 Feb 13

It is certainly dire this season. Thankfully I was working yeasterday and could not go.
Problem is if CW was sacked either now or at the end of the season we need to appoint someone who will do much better, presumably under the same owner.
Who would be available to take the manager's job right now? Would they be capable of doing a better job than CW?
Somehow I doubt it. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
End of the season CW must go and a fair few players too. Then IL should appoint a manager who can bring in better players and have better tactical awairness.

I also think youth development needs enhancing.
We have produced some very good players in the past who have moved on to higher things. Dean Whitehead, Chrissie Hackett, Dexter Blackstock to name just 3.
And, of course Joey Beachamp was home grown.
As a club with owners not prepared to put their hand in their pocket to the required level the only way is youth longer term.
We have done it before with the above, lets set up the conditions to do it again.
Investing in a first class youth system is a sound investment for the future of our club

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oldun says...
2:36pm Sun 24 Feb 13

moonlight shadow wrote:
It is certainly dire this season. Thankfully I was working yeasterday and could not go.
Problem is if CW was sacked either now or at the end of the season we need to appoint someone who will do much better, presumably under the same owner.
Who would be available to take the manager's job right now? Would they be capable of doing a better job than CW?
Somehow I doubt it. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
End of the season CW must go and a fair few players too. Then IL should appoint a manager who can bring in better players and have better tactical awairness.

I also think youth development needs enhancing.
We have produced some very good players in the past who have moved on to higher things. Dean Whitehead, Chrissie Hackett, Dexter Blackstock to name just 3.
And, of course Joey Beachamp was home grown.
As a club with owners not prepared to put their hand in their pocket to the required level the only way is youth longer term.
We have done it before with the above, lets set up the conditions to do it again.
Investing in a first class youth system is a sound investment for the future of our club
Hear hear on the youth bit !!. That is vital. We must also not rush to appoint once CW has gone - we have rushed too often before . If it takes six weeks to sort out his replacement then so be it - not another Conference man please!! . A man who has a good record at a higher than 4th div level - even one just been sacked is a must do. Yes, we can get one - don't be so pessimistic. Turner, Greaves and Jim Smith certainly came into that bracket. If there is any 'even-ness' of luck with managers than United are due a Shankly or a Clough

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bigchet says...
4:07pm Sun 24 Feb 13

oldun i can assure you that the prefix big in bigchet has no reference to my stature but is merely a local name for the oxon village i was born in. pretty poor display yesterday but hopefully they were saving their best for tues night, we can only live in hopes! congrats to utd ladies on todays performance and hope they get agood home draw in the next round.

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oldun says...
4:19pm Sun 24 Feb 13

bigchet wrote:
oldun i can assure you that the prefix big in bigchet has no reference to my stature but is merely a local name for the oxon village i was born in. pretty poor display yesterday but hopefully they were saving their best for tues night, we can only live in hopes! congrats to utd ladies on todays performance and hope they get agood home draw in the next round.
What has a village name got to do with your name? Is it amorphous/flabby ?

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greengarden says...
6:00pm Sun 24 Feb 13

Hello Mr Leneghan - where are you? The fans would like to hear from you?

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karatavuk says...
7:22pm Sun 24 Feb 13

Hopefully Lenagan is busy looking for a new manager for Oxford United.

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bigchet says...
8:24pm Sun 24 Feb 13

to reply to old un , there is avillage near bicester called chesterton and one barely a mile and a half away called little chesterton and locals would refer to them as little chet or big chet , but refering to insecurity alluded to in my post alias, have been utd fan for 50 yrs so maybe that would explain a bit of insecurity.

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oldun says...
9:03pm Sun 24 Feb 13

Thank you. Oldun cos I is old . I am also little (sub 11 stones) and weedy. My first game was in 1961 . Last one could well be in 2013. Enough is enough!

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baldicop says...
9:40pm Sun 24 Feb 13

I have been given a ticket for the home game v Rotherham but after reading the comments on here I might consider not going it all sounds very poor. As a OUFC supporter for over 30 years and not being able to go for the past 10 years due to work commitments (I think I have been blessed) I might give the ticket to some other poor bugger.

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oldun says...
10:09pm Sun 24 Feb 13

baldicop wrote:
I have been given a ticket for the home game v Rotherham but after reading the comments on here I might consider not going it all sounds very poor. As a OUFC supporter for over 30 years and not being able to go for the past 10 years due to work commitments (I think I have been blessed) I might give the ticket to some other poor bugger.
We are at a level where the hero striker of so many of the fans wouldn't score more than five goals a season at the level at which we played for most of the years from 68-99 . I love Constable's commitment though - brilliant to see but sometimes liable to get him sent off . Boring football - worse than under Atkins

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darkskies says...
10:15pm Sun 24 Feb 13

I hear Paulo Di Canio is looking for a new managers job....
Only joking....
COYY

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Megastar07 says...
6:27am Mon 25 Feb 13

Joking aside he's the type of guy we need

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35 year fan says...
8:05am Mon 25 Feb 13

what someone who wastes millions of £ we dont have on poor signings, a bunch of italian cronies and fees for his agent? and costs £500k per year?

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darkskies says...
10:12am Mon 25 Feb 13

Mr Lenagan has wasted too much money on our present squad, at least di Canio would get us to the top of league one. Fed up with sarky comments from my Swindon cousins, how much longer Mr Wilder? I have been fan and follower of the U's since 1964 and seen all the players who really tried for us. Chicken George where are you, we need you....
And Billy Hamilton
Is Johnny Aldridge still playing
Im still dreaming of glory days yet to come when Wilder and Lenagan are long gone...
COYY

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oldun says...
10:28am Mon 25 Feb 13

Even a Steve Anthrobus?

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darkskies says...
10:59am Mon 25 Feb 13

I remember joining in with the opposing fans in booing Anthrobus off the pitch. What rubbish he was! Made old pineapple head look good
Ha ha...

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CRSDC says...
11:37am Mon 25 Feb 13

Wilder Out!

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oxcidental says...
6:33pm Mon 25 Feb 13

Chis Wilder has now started brewing beer called HOOFMEISTER a pale insipid one with no head.........By employing him to the BITTER end we will end up in the WILDER NESS !!!!!! or WILDER MESS !!!!!

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