A second-half capitulation saw Oxford United go crashing out of the Worthington Cup at the Manor Ground last night. But they will never have a better opportunity of claiming a first division scalp, writes Jon Murray.

Opponents Wolves were so ravaged by injuries and bereft of confidence that second division strugglers Oxford were cruising in the first half of their first-round second leg clash as they led by Jon Shepheard's first goal for the club.

It gave United a two-goal advantange overall, and even when Carl Robinson equalised for Wolves at the start of the second half, everything was perfectly set up for the U's to go on and win the tie when the visitors had defender Joleon Lescott sent off after 61 minutes. But, instead of using the extra man to their advantage, they collapsed. Wanderers rattled in two goals in quick succession with unknown striker Adam Proudlock grabbing their match winner.

While Wolves manager Colin Lee was forced into five changes, and surprisingly dropped Temuri Ketsbaia to the bench, United's first team coach Mickey Lewis tinkered only slightly with his team, bringing back Shepheard after a groin injury.

Manager Denis Smith, who has suffered a recent illness, was well enough to watch from the director's box.

Knight produced a superb one-handed save to his right from Proudlock's 12th minute header before Shepheard scored with a header from a Dean Whitehead corner at which keeper Michael Oakes had flapped. United should really have scored in the third minute when, from John Robertson's right-wing cross, the ball dropped invitingly for Steve Anthrobus to shoot with only Oakes to beat. However, he sliced his effort horribly.

Attacking down the slope, United were good value for their lead in a first half littered with yellow cards. Wolves had made their intentions clear by having four players booked in the first four minutes but referee Paul Alcock was also trigger-happy.

But the second half began badly for Oxford as Ryan Green escaped Neil McGowan's attentions to cross deep from the right flank and Robinson headed home to make it 1-1. It was like having five Captain Mainwarings at the back as United went to pieces.

Lescott got his marching orders for bringing down Joey Beauchamp, having already been booked, but ten-man Wolves refused to be rattled.

Racing down to the other end, Darren Bazeley crossed from the right and 1.4m signing Robert Taylor powered home a far-post header which Lee Jarman, on the goalline, couldn't keep out.

Three minutes later and Oxford were hit again. Robert Taylor's long ball caught the home defence napping and Proudlock finished with a right-foot shot past Knight's right hand.

Beauchamp went close with a long shot which the Wolves keeper saved, and Ketsbaia came off the bench to do likewise.

Lewis made his own substitutions but to no avail.