Oxford Utd 1, Cambridge Utd 1 - match report

They're off the mark at last! A draw at home to Cambridge might not sound like something to get the trumpets blowing, but after four successive defeats, Oxford were grateful for anything they could lay their hands on to get their league campaign up and running.

A first goal for the club from Lee Jarman, and a slightly more disciplined all-round display, brought Denis Smith's men their first point to avoid the ignominy of equalling the club's worst-ever start to a season.

Smith himself was not there to see it, his blood complaint confining him to hospital for a further day.

But I'm sure he would have been pleased that they at last stopped the rot rather than go gung-ho for a late winner and maybe risk another home defeat.

Without Paul Powell, who sees a specialist today about his ruptured knee ligaments, United had Neil McGowan making his first start of the season at left wingback, and Ian McGuckin his second appearance, just inside him as the left-sided central defender.

Mickey Lewis took over the reins from Smith, and alongside him in the dug-out was the inspirational figure of youth team coach Mike Ford, urging the players on and forever dishing out tactical advice and encouragement.

After losing the toss again, United kicked off down the slope and made a lively start.

In only the fifth minute, following a foul on Manny Omoyinmi, Joey Beauchamp delivered one of his brilliant inswinging free-kicks from the right and Jarman headed against the top of the bar.

Cambridge failed to learn the lesson about the danger of giving away free-kicks outside the box because in the 15th minute Andrew Duncan clattered Steve Anthrobus and United scored from the set-piece.

At Walsall four days earlier, Jarman had back-heeled for Beauchamp to drive home a free-kick.

This one was much further out, and the two players reversed roles. Beauchamp this time back-heeled and Jarman hit a thumping drive from 25 yards that fairly flew into the net.

It was the perfect start and one which set Oxford up perfectly to go on and win the game.

But they didn't.

Beauchamp went close with a right-footed shot on the turn from a cross by John Robertson. and for a brief spell the confidence returned and Oxford looked a decent side going forward.

Yet scoring a goal still seems to come as a surprise rather than something they expect to do, and after this bright chapter had passed, back they dropped, as if subconsciously hoping they could hang on to 1-0.

It was inviting trouble.

Cambridge's impressive striker Zema Abbey planted a header wide from a free-kick by Steve McAnespie, then United's defence was sliced open through the middle.

Abbey chested down Duncan's long ball and Tom Youngs shot past Richard Knight's left hand, the keeper getting a hand to it but unable to keep it out.

It was another poor goal to give away but it might have been worse. Just before the break Abbey took the ball away from Jon Richardson and fired over an excellent deep cross for midfielder Neil Mustoe, but his header was superbly tipped over by Knight.

Oxford didn't seem to have it right. Paul Tait and Dean Whitehead, outnumbered in midfield, were not getting enough support from their wingbacks, nor from Beauchamp, though Joey's licence to roam made him a constant threat.

Omoyinmi had to come deep to get the ball and at the start of the second half he was unlucky with one effort when, after shrugging off two defenders, his curling shot struck the top of the bar.

Cambridge began to enjoy the lion's share of the possession, and chances followed. Alex Russell blasted a long-range drive a yard wide, Paul Wanless had a header saved and Knight redeemed himself after a terrible throw, straight to Russell, by being quick off his line.

Midway through the second half came the game's one moment of real class.

Cutting in from the right, Beauchamp flitted inside one opponent, then another, and smashed a magnificent 25-yard shot which was arrowing into the top corner until goalkeeper Lionel Perez stretched out his fingers to tip it away for a corner.

The home fans were waiting for Lewis to make some substitutions. Peter Fear for a tiring Whitehead seemed an obvious one, or possibly Derek Lilley for Anthrobus.

But the caretaker manager chose not to change things.

In the dying minutes, Oxford so nearly surrendered the point they had, when Whitehead showed his inexperience by kicking the ball away after a decision went against him.

Referee Trevor Parkes, who had an excellent game, ordered United back a further ten yards and from the free kick well inside their penalty area, Swedish sub Jonas Axeldal saw his shot deflect no more than a foot wide.