Oxford United 1 (Potter 88), Swindon Town 0 (From The Oxford Times)
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Oxford United 1 (Potter 88), Swindon Town 0
9:52pm Wednesday 5th September 2012 in Sport
By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458
Ryan Clarke saves bravely against Swindon
Johnstone's Paint Trophy 1st round
ALFIE Potter's late goal gave Oxford United a deserved victory to continue their superb run against Swindon Town.
The substitute tapped in James Constable's cross to seal a fourth successive derby victory for the U's over their rivals.
It gave a dramatic finish to an intense game, played out in a terrific atmosphere at the Kassam Stadium.
Just as they had done in both league victories last season, United defended superbly, with Jake Wright producing a towering performance at centre half.
As expected both sides made changes from the weekend.
United's reshuffled XI saw a new front three of Jon-Paul Pittman, Constable and Tom Craddock, while Daniel Boateng made his first start in midfield.
The atmosphere steadily built up to kick-off and was electric when the game began.
As you would expect in a derby, the opening exchanges were played at a frantic pace.
United did most of the pressing, without getting a clear sight of Wes Foderingham's goal.
At the other end Giles Coke, one of six players brought into the Swindon side, had the first chance when he swapped passes with Paul Benson, but he lashed wide.
The bumper home crowd divided their attention between voicing their support for Chris Wilder and criticising Paolo Di Canio in the opposing technical area.
United enjoyed good spells before half-time, but were unable to forge a clear chance as Swindon's defence stood firm.
The visitors had the best of the few opportunities, none better than debutant Darren Ward, who headed Coke's 23rd minute free kick over when he should have done better.
The U's back four, who were criticised for errors in Saturday's 3-1 defeat at York, were back to their best.
Wright led by example and several dangerous moments were snuffed out by brave blocks.
The hosts' best moment in the first half came on 32 minutes. Adam Chapman's through ball appeared to set Pittman through, but Federico Bessone raced across to make a last-ditch tackle.
The interval did nothing to slow the tempo once the second half began and United again made the faster start.
An early free kick fell to Craddock's feet, but the striker was caught flat-footed and could not make a meaningful contact.
Potter's introduction gave United an added cutting edge and the winger wasted little time in making an impact with two jinking runs.
With the defensive-minded Boateng making way, it opened the game up at both ends.
Neither goalkeeper was really tested until 15 minutes from time, when a sweetly struck free kick from Forster-Caskey was tipped over by Wes Foderingham.
The game looked destined for a penalty shoot-out, but three minutes from time the Kassam Stadium erupted.
A harmless clearance forward saw two Town defenders go for the same ball, which fell to Constable. The striker seized on the chance, running into the box and squaring for an unmarked Potter, who buried the chance.
United saw out the remaining minutes without any scares, before the celebrations began in earnest.
Comments(27)
Chish and Fips
says...
9:56pm Wed 5 Sep 12
oldun
says...
9:58pm Wed 5 Sep 12
yellowbadger
says...
9:59pm Wed 5 Sep 12
osney terrier
says...
10:00pm Wed 5 Sep 12
BigCrompy
says...
10:04pm Wed 5 Sep 12
Warwickshire Red
says...
10:16pm Wed 5 Sep 12
adlibber
says...
10:31pm Wed 5 Sep 12
35 year fan
says...
10:39pm Wed 5 Sep 12
Tom Cranmer
says...
10:49pm Wed 5 Sep 12
In_The_Nikon_Time
says...
11:19pm Wed 5 Sep 12
Tom Cranmer wrote:Have to agree with you Tom, although they wind us up on occasions, its usually good natured banter. We should be just as magnanimous in victory.
Great result for the U's - a win's a win. And great to see Chish and Fips and Warwickshire Red leaving positive post derby comments. Proper footie fans
STEADY EDDIE 1 for the road
says...
11:46pm Wed 5 Sep 12
In_The_Nikon_Time wrote:give them all the grief you can, they would if the result had gone the other way.They will be losing another Derby on 22nd.Good luck from AFCB FAN
Tom Cranmer wrote:Have to agree with you Tom, although they wind us up on occasions, its usually good natured banter. We should be just as magnanimous in victory.
Great result for the U's - a win's a win. And great to see Chish and Fips and Warwickshire Red leaving positive post derby comments. Proper footie fans
tws
says...
11:47pm Wed 5 Sep 12
Just underlines my faith in CW, tactically got it right again, whatever happens in the future, I'm a Wilder fan!!!
I promised myself I wouldn't sing rude negative songs about a certain fascist manager & equally rude songs about a place down the A420 but the occasion got the better of me, sorry, a true fan maybe, like some of our adversaries!!!
A passionate game football, days like this make you ralise why, unless of course..............
......
PS; Despite some grief, I thought the ref did well, (sorry).
RocketMan
says...
12:34am Thu 6 Sep 12
Not a fluke, fact four recent meetings, Oxford have won all of them.
Oxford are by far and away the greatest team, fact.
We are proud of Oxford United, with good reason. Wilder you are a great manager, we want you to stay.
stfc2011
says...
12:38am Thu 6 Sep 12
Oxford3000
says...
3:01am Thu 6 Sep 12
Oxford3000
says...
3:02am Thu 6 Sep 12
LeagueOneOx
says...
7:08am Thu 6 Sep 12
Paolo ruefully said no Charity but the goal was an absolute gift ! You do get the distinct impression that it's very much the "PAOLO" town show as he dominates the whole club. He looked suicidal at the final whistle. Head bowed, shoulders hunched and gutted.
I call recall so many occasions where
we have lost at the CG but deserved
better so beating them is always sweet.
Despite their possession count - Clarke did not have anything to do so defensively we were committed and dogged as you would expect under CW.
I am a bit puzzled how STFC can afford a squad of that quality but I guess their owners have deep pockets!
Quality win and atmosphere - it's nights like these that you live for as an Oxford UNITED fan!!
LeagueOneOx
says...
7:16am Thu 6 Sep 12
These Derbies are great though and PdC adds real spice with his rhetoric
but tactically in these games you need a bit of tactical 'nous'. I am not saying PdC struggles tactically - he just gets too emotionally involved and is a bit
too much outspoken and it fires our bellies.
Great occasion though and we move on.
Looking at the ST squad - you feel they will go very close gain with the quality they have right through the squad. Their left back Bessone looked class and I've always liked Ferry.
I would love to know what their playing budget is as PdC managed to bring in another FIVE players on deadline day.
It's galling that we never seem to have any money but nights like yesterday mean everything really.
AylesburyOx
says...
8:37am Thu 6 Sep 12
I thought it was a tough game under unusual circumstances as its a comp that nobody really wants to be in and given all the rumours surrounding Wilder made it quite interested to see what teams turned up - but I'll tell you what, they were both a credit to their passionate fans and made for a tasty encounter.
Wilder was spot on with his tactics; stifle, probe and stand firm. Di Canio to his credit tried to mix it up but I think this only created confusion in the Swindon ranks and they simply didn't know how their manager wanted them to play (Might be wrong but that was just my interpritation).
Awesome result and well done to all those involved - still buzzing now!! Right best get some work done.
OUFC 4 EVA
says...
9:50am Thu 6 Sep 12
Chish and Fips wrote:That's 3 out of 3 now Fishy Wishy, did you cry on hubby wubby's shoulder all night? Why don't you bake a cake to get over it?!
Funny old game ain't it .... good luck in next round.
pdc does wot he wants
says...
10:08am Thu 6 Sep 12
Oxford3000 wrote:funny how all your fans were getting his autograph before the game you 2 faced pox scum
The atmosphere was amazing..Only sat down at half time to rest.. I love oxford till i die.. Respect to chish and Fips.. Absolutely shattered with emotion.. Di canio is a ****.. Well done supporters and players
Chish and Fips
says...
5:37pm Thu 6 Sep 12
OUFC 4 EVA wrote:Well done Eva I see its usual standard of attempt at mastering the English language, we are getting there, but still have this habit of making yourself look a right 'plonker' for want of a better word.
Chish and Fips wrote:That's 3 out of 3 now Fishy Wishy, did you cry on hubby wubby's shoulder all night? Why don't you bake a cake to get over it?!
Funny old game ain't it .... good luck in next round.
Any way its 'Happy Days', you are in the next round of the JPT and we are not..... we can concentrate on the league ( L1 of course) and all those usual run of the mill excuses for the very poor display we apparently gave - umpty thump shots on target and failed to score - oh well - ho hum .
Keep at that English books Eva, eventually it will all click into place and you will be able to write in a grown up and sensible fashion and it will make more sense, low and behold they even be amusing.
In_The_Nikon_Time
says...
5:37pm Thu 6 Sep 12
pdc does wot he wants wrote:Wrong again pdc does what he wants cos he's a total kn*b - we were getting him to sign for the pizzas he ordered.
Oxford3000 wrote:funny how all your fans were getting his autograph before the game you 2 faced pox scum
The atmosphere was amazing..Only sat down at half time to rest.. I love oxford till i die.. Respect to chish and Fips.. Absolutely shattered with emotion.. Di canio is a ****.. Well done supporters and players
OUFC 4 EVA
says...
12:47am Fri 7 Sep 12
Chish and Fips wrote:Uh oh someone's tired! Did fishy wishy stay up too late crying over losing to The Mighty Yellows again? You should have let hubby wubby take you to bed at half time like he wanted!!
OUFC 4 EVA wrote:Well done Eva I see its usual standard of attempt at mastering the English language, we are getting there, but still have this habit of making yourself look a right 'plonker' for want of a better word.
Chish and Fips wrote:That's 3 out of 3 now Fishy Wishy, did you cry on hubby wubby's shoulder all night? Why don't you bake a cake to get over it?!
Funny old game ain't it .... good luck in next round.
Any way its 'Happy Days', you are in the next round of the JPT and we are not..... we can concentrate on the league ( L1 of course) and all those usual run of the mill excuses for the very poor display we apparently gave - umpty thump shots on target and failed to score - oh well - ho hum .
Keep at that English books Eva, eventually it will all click into place and you will be able to write in a grown up and sensible fashion and it will make more sense, low and behold they even be amusing.
Chish and Fips
says...
6:54pm Fri 7 Sep 12
OUFC 4 EVA wrote:Quick answer - a big NO - more worried about our LEAGUE 1 game .,( yes the league you are looking up at down in the basement 'hoof ball' league), this Saturday - yes it would have been good to win Wednesday no denying, and there are some reasons we know we didn't play to our best - but no taking away it was a defeat, and we will have to live with it and move on .... it will probably be more of a distraction now for you lot in my opinion', as you'll keep bleating on and on about it , but hey that's your lots problem, and do I care..!!
Chish and Fips wrote:Uh oh someone's tired! Did fishy wishy stay up too late crying over losing to The Mighty Yellows again? You should have let hubby wubby take you to bed at half time like he wanted!!
OUFC 4 EVA wrote:Well done Eva I see its usual standard of attempt at mastering the English language, we are getting there, but still have this habit of making yourself look a right 'plonker' for want of a better word.
Chish and Fips wrote:That's 3 out of 3 now Fishy Wishy, did you cry on hubby wubby's shoulder all night? Why don't you bake a cake to get over it?!
Funny old game ain't it .... good luck in next round.
Any way its 'Happy Days', you are in the next round of the JPT and we are not..... we can concentrate on the league ( L1 of course) and all those usual run of the mill excuses for the very poor display we apparently gave - umpty thump shots on target and failed to score - oh well - ho hum .
Keep at that English books Eva, eventually it will all click into place and you will be able to write in a grown up and sensible fashion and it will make more sense, low and behold they even be amusing.
oldun
says...
7:09pm Fri 7 Sep 12
gburke says...
9:56pm Wed 5 Sep 12