Oxford United was tonight plunged into further disarray after it emerged bailiffs were being called in to resolve a row over an alleged unpaid bill.

The U's secured a vital 3-1 home win against Cambridge United to ease the side's on-the-pitch worries and offer breathing space to under-fire boss Darren Patterson.

But some directors and guests in the club's main stand at the Kassam Stadium were not served meals at the match following a dispute with stadium owner Firoka.

It came as the United chairman Nick Merry and fellow chief investor Ian Lenagan refused to break their ongoing silence over the club's financial situation.

John Angus, operations director at Firoka, said some meals were not served as part of the dispute with the club.

He said: "The issue with the club is based on the non-payment of bills. Each quarter a payment is required for the rent, which has not been met.

"We have had to involve bailiffs.

"We have spoken to the club since lunchtime today and asked them for payment. The payment was not forthcoming and we could not provide a food service without payment."

Mr Angus refused to say when the bailiffs would be called in — or whether they had already — and what assets could be targeted.

However, Mr Merry said that he totally refuted Mr Angus's version of events and said the club would pay the rent on Thursday — the day he believed it was due.

Commenting on the lack of food service, TV presenter Jim Rosenthal said: "I think we have that nice man Mr Kassam to thank."

Former children's TV presenter and U's fan Timmy Mallet, who was in the guest area in the main stand, said: "It's a bit of stupid posturing. Utterly silly and it is not on."

Despite pressure to release a statement scotching or confirming rumours of administration, the club's owners remain tight lipped.

Oxford United's financial woes have been brought about by dwindling crowds and an inability to generate revenue from the stadium they continue to rent, at a cost of more than £400,000 a year, from former owner Firoz Kassam.

The team are in their third season out of the Football League.