[retired_ashleyfaries]

I didnt have to succesful a time in the transfer window only managing to buy 1 player, Dale Edwards a DC for 1k from Dale's Notts County. I did manage to get 3 loan players in from the Premiership though. Zak Whitbread, a DC from Liverpool. Martin Cranie, a DC from Southampton, and Mark Yeates a SC from Tottenham.

Northampton 0v0 Shrewbury
A fairly boring game against a good Shrewsbury side. In all fairness they probably deserved to win but a good performance by my keeper managed to keep it 0-0.

Mansfield 1v3 Northampton
Mansfield took the lead and were one nil up at half time. Things seemed to have gone from bad to worse when Charley Hearn was sent off just minutes into the second half. But goals from Rowson, McGleish and a last minute, counter-attack goal by Chris Carruthers gave the side an unlikely 1st win.

Northampton 0v2 Grimsby
My assistant was in charge for this game and it was level until 83 minutes.Eric Sabin was sent off and Grimsby scored 2 late goals.

Lincoln 1v2 Northampton
Loan signing Mark Yeates scored two on his debut as Lincoln were beaten. There goal was a consolation strike in the last minute.

Peterborough 2v1 Northampton (League Cup)
A full strength side was put out in hope of a good cup run. This would be a tough match against League 1 Peterborough. They scored after 50 minutes, but a Charley Hearn equaliser levelled the scores after 69 minutes. Peterborough shattered hopes of a win when they scored in the 80th minute. An interesting fact of the match was that 8 out of the starting 11 were booked.

Northampton 1v0 Kidderminster
Sean Smith scored fo rme after 24 minutes. The win was never in doubt in this one though outshooting them 24 to 1. Unfortunately i couldnt have finished more.

Cambridge 0v1 Northampton
Sean Smith scored another early goal in this game. And we managed to hang on in a more even game for another 1 nil win.

Oxford 0v1 Northampton
My first match against a fellow human manager and it was James' Oxford. His side were also high up in the table and this was gonna be a close game. Matthew Howard scored an early and then it was a matter of holding on. I managed to do this for yet another 1 nil win.

Northampton 0v1 Rochdale
Rochdale scored an early penalty in this one and were really the best team. I did hit the post in the last minute but i deserved to lose here, so no complaints.

Northampton 1v1 Macclesfield
Macclesfield scored an early goal and i had fears of going on a major blip. Yeates scored just before half time though to get me a draw.

Notts County 1v2 Northampton (LDV Vans Trophy)
A mainly reserve side was put out for this game against fellow manager Dale. And it did me proud, an own goal and an Eric Sabin goal put me 2-0 up. They managed to get one back before half time but i held on for a win.

Altogether a very good session, sitting in the playoff, my target at the start of the season. And in the second round of the cup.

[retired_karthik_psgimsr]

The U’s Begin To Fire

Oxford United have had a exciting time as of late here is an update of what is going down at The Kassam Stadium:

League Results

Oxford 0-0 Rushden
Dominated but failed to score.
Man Of The Match: Billy Turley (Rushden)

Boston 2-3 Oxford
Exciting game against top of the league Boston went 1 up through Menjivar but was almost immediately pegged back by Boston who soon added a 2nd to make it 2-1, but another from Menjivar and an 85th minute strike from Mooney ensured the victory.
Man Of The Match: Luke Steele (Oxford)

Notts Co 1-1 Oxford
Playing against Dale Smurthwaites well organised team was always going to be tough and I found that out after just 6 minutes when the leagues top score Peter Weatherson put County 1 up, but again Tommy Mooney popped up with a late goal to rescue a point.
Man Of The Match: Jonathan Ashton (Oxford)

Oxford 4-2 Scunthorpe
Scunthorpe came to the Kassam sporting a 4-2-4 formation but it failed to work against a rampant Oxford side. 2 from Menjivar and 1 a piece for Mooney and Bradbury.
Man Of The Match: Tommy Mooney (Oxford)

Yeovil 1-2 Oxford
Keith Tinkers struggling side put up a good performance but failed to gain a point as Oxford put in another exciting performance. Menjivar opened the scoring in the 19th minute, in the 60th minute Yeovil were awarded a penalty and Luke Steele was sent packing for his part. The penalty was converted but Robert Wolleaston scored a 77th minute winner to take all 3 points.
Man Of The Match: Carlos Alberto Menjivar (Oxford)

Oxford 1-0 Bristol Rovers
Boring game but an unlikely penalty from Phil Babb separated the 2 sides.
Man Of The Match: Jonathan Ashton (Oxford)

Oxford 1-0 Wycombe
More of the same as the busy festive period takes its toll, a late free kick from Paul Wanless was all it took to tip the balance.
Man Of The Match: Gary Silk (Wycombe)

Cheltenham 1-0 Oxford
My only league defeat of the session, was evenly matched but deserved at least a draw.
Man Of The Match: Luke Steele (Oxford)

Cup Results

FA Cup 2nd Round

Huddersfield 1-2 Oxford
Hopes of a glamorous 3rd round tie fizzled away as a sparkling start to the game was dampened by Huddersfield. A goal from Danny Brown was too little too late.
Man Of The Match: Dave Mackay (Oxford)

Managers Note

I cannot describe how pleased I am that we have began to perform to the ability I knew that we are capable of. I would like to save special praise for Carlos (Alberto Menjivar) as he has proved to be a match winner as of late and is a fantastic asset to have at this club. But I also want to congratulate the rest of the players for propelling the club up the league and also the fans for supporting the club no matter what the results.

[retired_jolenz]

Notts County Like A See-Saw...Up & Down

A lot has happened since Smurthwaite's last press report, so this may take some time.

PLAYERS OUT

DRC-Kelvin Wilson - £3k to Hinkley
D/MLC-Chris Palmer - £2k to Huknall
ST-Steve Scoffham - £2 to Nuneaton

With these players leaving the club, Smurthwaite has cut his wage bill again. It was hugely over budget by around £6k per week, but now it is much better; only a few hundred pounds over.

A lot of games have been played since Smurthwaite graced the press box, so here is a run-down of results :

Notts Co 0 V Chester 0
A pretty even game here, with Notts County's strikers failing to shoot on target.
Star Man -Tony Scully (Notts Co)

Swansea 1 V Notts Co 2
Back to winning ways against fellow human manager David Williams' Swansea side with Gareth Law and Peter Weatherson taking a goal each. 3 Notts County players recieved a 10 rating in this game.
Star Man -Peter Weatherson (Notts Co)

Notts Co 0 V Southend 0
Perhaps an unfair result for Notts Co here as they had much more of the game and were unlucky not win the game.
Star Man -Bart Griemink (Southend)

Northampton 2 V Notts Co 3
A very happy manager after this game, putting the Vans trophy defeat behind them and taking the 3 points in the League game. 2 goals for Gareth Law and 1 for Weatherson (he also missd a penalty).
Star Man -Chris Carruthers (Northampton)

Grimsby 2 V Notts Co 4
Goals for Notts Co from Scully, Law, Pipe and Smyth ensured a good victory for Smurthwaite's team as they progress up the league table.
Star Man -Alex Gildea (Notts Co)

Notts Co 3 V Mansfield 1
Smurthwaite was very pleased to get a win over great rival Carlton Palmer, and Palmer deserved the beating after the things he had said in the media. A goal for Law and 2 for Gildea ensured the 3 points for Notts Co.
Star Man -Alex Gildea (Notts Co)

Notts Co 4 V Lincoln 1
An excellent result here and Notts County find themselves in the automatic promotion places for the first time this season. Goals from Pipe, Smyth, Gildea and Law.
Star Man -David Pipe (Notts Co)

Macclesfield 1 V Notts Co 1
After the last match, Smurthwaite was disappointed to only get a draw here. Gareth Law scoring again for County.
Star Man -Alex Gildea (Notts Co)

Kidderminster 2 V Notts Co 0
The start od downward spriral for Notts County here with a terrible loss to Kidderminster.
Star Man -Mark Jackson (Kidderminster)

Notts Co 3 V Cambridge 1
Anothe Human-Human game here with Smurthwaite coming out on top against new boy Steve Vidoy who was gracious in defeat. Gildea scored a nice brace and Weatherson sealed the win.
Star Man -Alex Gildea (Notts Co)

Notts Co 1 V Oxford 1
Oxford had more of the play, but the draw was probablky the fair result after Notts Co were leading the game for the majority of the time. Human manager James Woodward was happy with the result I feel. Peter Weatherson scored Notts County's early goal.
Star Man -Jonathon Ashton (Oxford)

Rochdale 3 V Notts Co 2
Another defeat for Notts County here and things are slipping for them. Rochdales' Holt was excellent in attack. Scully and Gildea scoring for Notts County.
Star Man -Grant Holt (Rochdale)

Notts Co 3 V Leyton Orient 2
Another game with a 3-2 scoreline. Weatherson, Gildea and Smyth scoring for Nots County. A morale booseter this one. Simpson was sent off for Orient.
Star Man -Alex Gildea (Notts Co)

Boston Utd 3 V Notts Co 0
A clash with the leagus leaders Boston Utd. A deserved win for them as Smurthwaite's team failed to get out of the starting blocks. The busy Christmas schedule is taking it out of the Notts County players.
Star Man -Steven Boyack (Boston Utd)

Rushden Southport 2 V Notts Co 13 V Notts Co 0
Smurthwaite was furious after this match. Rushden were down to 10 men after just 22 minutes and still managed a 3-0 win over a very tired Notts County. Morale is being visibly sapped from the players. Perhaps some fresh players are needed.
Star Man -Graham Allen (Rushden)

Yeovil 1 V Notts Co 3
A very much needed victory for Notts County here, keeping their promotion hopes alive. Usual suspects on the scoresheet : Gildea, Law and Weatherson getting one goal each.
Star Man -Alex Gildea (Notts Co)

Notts Co 2 V Shrewsbury 3
Smurthwaite's bogey team this season are Shrewsbury and Notts County have now lost in both their clashes this season. Peter Weatherson got bothe County's goals.
Star Man -Alan O'Brien (Shrewsbury)

Notts Co 0 V Scunthorpe 1
Nuff said I think.
Star Man -Nathan Stanton (Scunthorpe)

There was one Cup game also. The FA Cup 1st Round.

Southport 2 V Notts Co 1
This was very disappointing, considering, Southport are not even in an FA League. Nevermind, there's always next season. Law scored for Notts County.
Star Man -Julian Watts (Southport)

All in all, Notts County are performing okay, but they need to get some wins under their belt in the next few matches if they are to be considered for promotion this season. A perfect start to that would be a victory over newly appointed human manager Ray Robson's Bristol Rovers. Notts County's players are playing well, they're just unlucky...

Come on Dale, you can do it for the Magpies...

Until my next report...

DS

[retired_kala9702]

Robson is the new manager of the Bristol Rover's

The new man in charge has made a statement to the press:

I know if we all pull together we can bring the glory day's back to this club, We are all aiming for the same thing this season which is promotion, All my player's start on a clean slate any mishap's and there out. We start from now and we will go for it. Thank's to all the fan's of this great club, I hope iam the man to bring glory back to The Memorial Stadium.

Thank's all the pirates fan's,I hope you will love having me here as much as i love being here.


Your Manager R.Robson.

[retired_beverly]

Shock appointment at Wycombe

Wycombe Wanderers fans were today shocked at the surprise sacking of Wycombe manager, John Gorman. With the board announcing that their ambitions for the club did not match that of John Gorman.

Even more shocking for wycombe fans was the appointment of unknown manager Andy Silk, who plied his trade in the Welsh valleys before being hired by Wycombe.

But Andy Silk took time out to reassure the Wycombe fans with this statement;

“I understand the fans concerns but I would like to assure them that I am the man to bring the glory days back to Wycombe Wanderers Football Club.”

[retired_karthik_psgimsr]

Oxford Can Taste The Title

With only 6 games left manager James Woodward has put Oxford within touching distance of the League Two title. They are currently only 3 point behind leaders Boston and face them in their next game, Here we will take a look at the recent results and dealings that have had the Oxford faithful delighted:

Transfers In:

Bradley Orr (MC) Free
Former Newcastle trainee joins Oxford on a free transfer from Bristol City.

Wolfgang Feiersinger (DC) 1k
40 year old ex-Austria international formerly of Borussia Dortmund, joins Oxford from Yeovil.

Peter Atherton (D/DMRC) 3k
Vastly experienced defender brought in to bring even more steel to an already tough defence.

Transfers Out:

Chris Tardif -> Darlington 7k
Matt Robinson -> Lincoln 12k

Oxford 0-0 Chester
Oxford deserved more from this game but a sturdy defensive performance from Chester earned themselves a point.
Man Of The Match: Andy Watson (Chester)

Swansea 1-2 Oxford
End to end action in this game against David Williams promotion hopefuls Swansea, an early goal from youngster Jamie Brooks gave Oxford the lead, but a goal on the stroke of half-time from Leon Britton equalled the score. But a 79th minute counter-attack was finished off by Juan Pablo Raponi to give Oxford all the points.
Man Of The Match: Phil Babb (Oxford)

Oxford 0-0 Southend
Another game Oxford should have won, but an excellent performance from Southend goalkeeper Bart Griemink gave the relegation battlers a share of the points.
Man Of The Match: Bart Griemink (Southend)

Northampton 0-3 Oxford
Woodward’s men travelled to the Sixfields Stadium hoping to get revenge for their defeat earlier in the season and Kevin Kinchington’s absence showed. The shots were evenly matched but Oxfords hitmen hit the jackpot converting all 3 shots on target. A rare goal from Phil Babb and 2 from Lee Bradbury gave Oxford the win.
Man Of The Match: Dave Mackay (Oxford)

Oxford 1-0 Mansfield
A match dominated by Oxford, Lee Bradbury’s 2nd minute goal was enough to give Oxford the win.
Man Of The Match: Kevin Pilkington (Mansfield)

Grimsby 1-3 Oxford
A Tommy Mooney hat-trick (I kid you not) had the fans elated as the overpaid marksman decided to do what he’s paid for. Michael Reddy being the Grimsby’s scorer.
Man Of The Match: Tommy Mooney (Oxford)

Oxford 2-0 Lincoln
Oh my what is happening, 2 more goals from Tommy Mooney. Enough said.
Man Of The Match: Alan Marriott (Lincoln)

Kidderminster 1-3 Oxford
This report was becoming quite dull, but finally I can mention the man that is Carlos Alberto Menjivar. An early goal from him was equalled by Gary Birch. But another from Menjivar and yet another goal from Tommy Mooney (This is starting to get silly) gave Oxford the win.
Man Of The Match: Carlos Alberto Menjivar (Oxford)

Oxford 4-0 Cambridge
Steve Vidoy’s Cambridge side were the next to travel to an in-form Oxford who had won their last 5 games and Oxford made no exceptions for Vidoy’s men. Cambridge weren’t without chances though but Oxford’s prowess in front of goal showed once again. Goals from Tommy Mooney (yawn), Lee Bradbury, Jamie Brooks and an OG from Luke Guttridge ensured victory for Oxford.
Man Of The Match: Robert Wolleaston (Oxford)

Macclesfield 1-0 Oxford
Oxford’s strikers failed to turn up today as 14 shots went at goal but only 1 hit the target and a goal from Matthew Tipton punished Oxford.
Man Of The Match: Danny Brown (Oxford)

Shrewsbury 1-1 Oxford
A very tight game between 2 of League Two’s top scoring teams ended in a stalemate as Kelvin Langmead opened the scoring for Shrewsbury but an 84th minute goal from Bradley Orr shared the spoils.
Man Of The Match: Luke Steele (Oxford)

Oxford 6-1 Rochdale
After 2 games without a win it was due but 6 goals shocked everyone especially against promotion challenging Rochdale. They were 4-0 up at half-time, 2 a piece from Carlos Alberto Menjivar and Tommy Mooney. A goal from Kevin Townson gave Rochdale a glimmer of hope but goals from Robert Wolleaston and Lee Bradbury sealed the emphatic victory.
Man Of The Match: Tommy Mooney (Oxford)

Leyton Orient 3-1 Oxford
Tommy Mooney gave Oxford the lead but they failed to capitalise upon it as Leyton Orient took control and converted 3 goals. The most disappointing game of the season for Woodward’s men.
Man Of The Match: Prince Toku (Leyton Orient)

Manager’s Note:

Well what can I say, the lads have done the whole city proud. They were expected to do well this season but they are excelling all predictions and have put themselves into a very good position. We have a very tough tie at home to Boston next and if we are to take the title, this is a must win game. I believe that winning the title is achievable and that we are fully capable of it.

[retired_phil39100]

After a fairly good start from the Cambridge Utd, the last couple of games have resulted in no wins. Team morale is at an all time low and the manager is going to have to come up trumps to revive there confidence.

Daniel Chillingworth has scored 17 goals this season and has been a massive player this season having also played the most matches for the team.

Wages at the club are also very high which has resulted in some of the younger/dead wood players not receiving new contracts in hope of lowing the problem.

Players in:

Jon Coppingger
Dave McEwan
Ryan Ashington
Daren Dykes
Elliot Simpson
Derrin Brindley

All of which were free.

Players out:

Warren Goodhind
Stuart Bimson

All of which were free.

Latest Results

H 3-1 Chester
H 0-1 Southend
A 3-0 Northampton
H 1-1 Mansfield
A 2-1 Grimsby
H 0-1 Lincoln
A 3-2 Kidderminster
A 1-2 Shrewsbury
H 1-1 Macclesfield
A 0-4 Oxford
H 2-2 Rochdale
A 2-2 Leyton Orient
H 0-3 Boston
A 0-1 Rushden


Cambridge are also located 10th in L2 at the moment with the play-offs 9 points away with 6 matches left to play. Will be a tough job to get there but Cambridge wont give it up.

[retired_jolenz]

Notts County In Free Fall!

Dale Smurthwaite's promising Notts County side have succumbed to the pressure and expectation of all and appear to be heading for yet another season of League 2 football next year.

Christmas took its toll on the talented side and morale has been difficult to cultivate amongst the players.

Here is a run-down of results :

Notts Co 0 V Bristol Rover 3
A match against new manager Ray Robson's Rovers team. Disappointing to say the least. The goal drought for Weatherson begins.
Star Man - John Anderson (Brisol R)

Wycombe 1 V Notts Co 1
Another new manager to comete against here and Smurthwaite's dreadful record against human managers continues. Gildea scores for Notts Co.
Star Man - Alex Gildea (Notts Co)

Cheltenham 2 V Notts Co 2
Gareth Law stamps his authority on the game by scoring both County goals, but it isn't enough to get the 3 points here.
Star Man - Alex Gildea (Notts Co)

Bury 1 V Notts Co 2
This was much more like the Notts Co of the start of the season with the team battling on to win with 10 men. David Carns was sent off for a professional foul after just 39 minutes. Scully and Law get the goals for Notts Co.
Star Man - Shaun Allaway (Notts Co)

Notts Co 3 V Darlington 2
Things were looking much better for Smurthwaite here with a second win on the bounce. Gareth Law again scoring twice and Gildea getting the other. Morale is on a high at this point.
Star Man - Alex Gildea (Notts Co)

That win however was to see the last for a while as Notts County went on a bad run, losing 6 games in the next 8 matches.

Chester 1 V Notts Co 0
A well beaten Notts County here although the scoreline doesn't reflect the game. Notts co had 6 shots on goal and not one was on target. Strikers will be critisised I think.
Star Man - Michael Brown (Chester)

Notts Co 1 V Swansea 2
Another human manager here, although he is on holiday in Jamaica. The final ball was not getting into the box and so a lack of creativity lost Notts Co the game. Gildea scored the goal for County.
Star Man - Alex Gildea (Notts Co)

Southend 3 V Notts Co 3
A last minute goal from Law gets Notts County a draw here although they did not deserve it. New loan signing James O'Conner from Aston Vill score a crucial own goal and he will not play again for this team. Law scored another goal for himself and Mark Smyth got the third.
Star Man - Alex Gildea (Notts Co)

Notts Co 0 V Northampton 1
Another defeat, however the game was pretty tight and Andre Thu should have scored the penalty that was awarded tO Notts County.
Star Man - Tommy Jaszczun (Northampton)

Mansfield 4 V Notts Co 2
This was a disgraceful result for Smurthwaite. 3rd from bottom Mansfield shouldve been well beaten here, but morale is so low at Notts County that it went the other way. The playoffs are even looking distant now,let alone automatic promotion which is now ver, very unrealistic.
Star Man - Chris Brunt (Mansfield)

Notts Co 1 V Grimsby 3
Nearest rivals Grimsby took the points here and deserved to. Smurthwaite was later spotted in a pub drinking heavily. Law scores for Notts County.
Star Man - Michael Reddy (Grimsby)

Lincoln 3 V Notts Co 1
Same scoreline, different team. Anoher lowly side beats Notts County here and the playoffs are now no longer realistic. Mathematically, it is possible but the team don't seem to want it.
Star Man - Alan Marriott (Lincoln)

Notts Co 1 V Kidderminster 1
Smurthwaite tries out a new tactichere and is definately has possibilites as the shots on goal tally reflects it. 10 shots on goal. A lot more than usual. Law scores again for Notts County.
Star Man - Shaun Allaway (Notts Co)

What Next For Smurthwaite?

Well, with the next game against Steve Vidoy, a human manager, things don't look too good and as I mentioned earlier it looks like the same division next season. That could be a good thing however as it will give Smurthwaite time to rebuild his squad and make a more serious title bid in 2006.

Rumour has it, Smurthwaite has already lined up some defensive replacements

Until my next report...

DS.

[retired_kala9702]

Rovers On The Up

Since i took over the only way is up for Rovers climbing from 11th to 4th in the league.

Transfers In:

Stuart Darby
Craig Shaw
Robert Taylor
Liam Brady
Ian Stringfellow
David Louhoungou
David May
Des Hamilton
Ben THornley

No players went out as i wanted to assess each player first.

Now then for the results:

Notts Co 0 V Bristol Rover's 3
My first game saw me pitted against fellow human manager Dale Smurthwaite. A vintage performance from Rover's saw goal's from Ali Gibb,James Hunt and Richard Walker.

Man Of The Match:John Anderson (Bristol R)

Bristol Rover's 2 v 1 Scunthorpe

First home game of my reign began with a win goal's came from David Savage and Neil Mellor.

Man Of The Match:Gavin Maguire (Scunthorpe)

Yeovil 0 v 1 Bristol Rover's

Very even game saw Neil Mellor win it with a 90th minute goal.

Man Of The Match:KevinMiller (Bristol R)

Bristol Rover's 2 v 2 Shrewsbury

First game we have dropped point's in now should of won. Goal's came from Jamie Forrester and Stuart Campbell.

Man Of The Match:Scott Howie (Shrewsbury)

Bristol Rover's 3 v 0 Wycombe

A game against another new human manager saw me win 3-0 despite going down to ten men with Aaron Lescott's dismissal goal's came from Richard Walker 2 And a neil Mellor Goal.

Man Of The Match:Richard Walker (Bristol R)

Cheltenham 1 v 2 Bristol Rover's

A very good game saw us come home with the point's with goal's from Neil Mellor and Jamie Forrester.

Man Of The Match:David Savage (Bristol R)

Bristol Rover's 0 v 0 Bury

Should of buried them Very poor game.

Man Of The Match:Andy Marriott (Bury)

Darlington 1 v 1 Bristol Rover's

Another boring game made worse by Ben Thornley's sending off in the 20th minute. The goal Came from an Andy Liddle own goal.

Man Of The Match:KevinMiller (Bristol R)

Bristol Rover's 3 v 1 Chester

Back to winning way's the goal's came from a super scouser Neil Mellor.

Man Of The Match:Neil Mellor (Bristol R)

Swansea 0 v 2 Bristol Rover's

Another fine display Goal's came from Jamie Forrester And John Anderson.

Man Of The Match:Aaron Lescott (Bristol R)

Bristol Rover's 2 v 0 Southend

I demanded the same and i got the same another great performance both goal's came from Ben Thornley.

Man Of The Match:Ben Thornley (Bristol R)


Northampton 0 v 0 Bristol Rover's

Boring game only thing worth saying is Ben Thornley's red card.

Man Of The Match:Josh Low (Northampton)

Bristol Rover's 1 v 1 Mansfield

Should of really won this game 90th minute goal for Mansfield i wasn't happy to say the least goal came from David Savage.

Man Of The Match:Alex John-Baptiste (Mansfield)

Well what can i say unbeaten in 17 in the league up to 4th in the table.

The only way is up

[retired_karthik_psgimsr]

Oxford Take Title In Tense Finale

The Oxford fans were dancing in the street following their shock League Two win, their 1st trophy since 1986. Here we will take a look at the tense end of season run in:

Oxford 2-0 Boston Utd
Oxford came into this match knowing that a win was needed if they were to keep their title challenge going, and very professional performance from Oxford ensured victory against league leaders Boston. The goals came from Tommy Mooney and Peter Atherton.
Man Of The Match:Chris Holland (Boston Utd)

Rushden 1-1 Oxford
The tough games kept coming for Oxford who next faced 3rd placed Rushden. In a very evenly matched game Oxford took the lead through Lee Bradbury but a late OG from Mateo Corbo gave a share of the points to Rushden.
Man Of The Match:Robert Wolleaston (Oxford)

Oxford 4-0 Notts Co
Coming into this match Woodward didn’t know what to expect against Dale Smurthwaite’s recently rejuvenated men. Danny Brown opened the scoring and following the sending off of Mike Whitlow this result was only going one way. Goals came from Juan Pablo Raponi and Tommy Mooney who got 2.
Man Of The Match:Robert Wolleaston (Oxford)

Scunthorpe 1-2 Oxford
A very shaky performance from Oxford here but they held onto their 1st half lead to win the match. Tommy Mooney and Carlos Alberto Menjivar the scorers.
Man Of The Match:Juan Pablo Raponi (Oxford)

Oxford 1-1 Yeovil
A win here would ensure Oxford only needed a point from their last game to win the title, but it just wasn’t to be as Tommy Mooney’s goal was cancelled out by a last minute goal from Terry Skiverton.
Man Of The Match:Mark Peters (Yeovil)

Bristol Rovers 1-3 Oxford
The penultimate game of the season, Oxford are 1 point ahead of Boston and face a tough trip to Ray Robson’s 4th placed Bristol Rovers who have only lost once under his reign. The match started bad for Oxford as a 7th minute goal from James Hunt opened the scoring, But shortly after this goal there was only one name that could be heard ringing around the stadium and that was “Smurthwaite” as fans heard that his side were beating Boston. This seemed to spur Oxford on and shortly after they hit back through Tommy Mooney on 20 minutes. Half time came and went, and 61 minutes into the 2nd half Oxford fans had more to cheer about as Carlos Alberto Menjivar hit the back of the net. From here on in Bristol Rovers heads had dropped and was summed up by an 88th minute OG from Craig Hinton. As the final whistle blew the crowd erupted and the pitch was flooded by yellow shirts, Oxford are League Two Champions!
Man Of The Match:Carlos Alberto Menjivar

Manager’s Note

Oxford, League Two Champions. Sounds good doesn’t it. I’m not surprised that the lads have done so well. When I was appointed manager of Oxford my target was to win promotion but as the season went on, the target rose and here we are today as champions. I’d like to thank all the lads for their fantastic performances throughout the season, the board for putting their faith in me and the fans for standing by me. Now we must go and prepare for next season so expect some new faces in the near future.

Until Next Time
James Woodward