OXFORD United's remarkable form since manager Mickey Lewis has been in charge continued at Nottingham on Friday. The battling U's took their run of unbeaten games to 11 with a terrific equaliser from substitute Paul Powell.

It gives United every chance in their replay against Forest at the Manor next Tuesday - and brings the fourth round draw - an away tie at Chelsea - firmly into focus.

United still grumble about Mike Reed's controversial refereeing decision at the Manor last season which gave Chelsea a disputed penalty and robbed United of victory. In the replay, United took the lead before eventually losing 4-2.

The draw for the fourth round gives them an opportunity to see just how they have progressed under Lewis.

There's just one small obstacle to overcome - First Division Nottingham Forest - although I confidently expect United to come out of that one with a victory. THE incomparable Muhammad Ali was named BBC Sports Personality of the Century on Sunday evening after polling more votes than the other five shortlisted candidates put together.

Considering the shortlist contained sports giants Jack Nicklaus, Sir Don Bradman, Pele, George Best and Jesse Owens, that's really saying something about the esteem in which Ali is held.

Ali's success in the polls may, or may not, influence your selections for this column's

top ten sportspersons of the century.

Enties are trickling in, but you have until Thursday, December 23, to let me have a list of your top three candidates. Send your entries to David Wynne-Jones, Witney Gazette, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 OEJ.

From your replies I'll compile the list of who we all agree have been the top ten people in sport this century. WITNEY Town's leading goalscorer Carl Henry has apparently upset his manager, Andy Lyne, by turning out for his old club on a day when Town's match was called off because of the weather.

Henry joined his old mates at AFC Wallingford - and scored two of their goals in a 4-1 victory.

As reported in this column, Andy Lyne felt Henry should have asked permission to play, even though he's not under contract to Witney and is, therefore, free to play for whoever he wants. My view is that if a player is prepared to turn out for his mates in soaking, muddy conditions and torrential rain, it says something about his love of the game.

After all, Town can't complain about his attitude. Since Henry joined Witney from Wallingford, he's hit the back of the net 23 times! BIZARRE sports story of the week is the appointment of the successor to the disgraced Jeffrey Archer as president of the World Snooker Association, the game's ruling body.

No, it's not Ray Reardon, Steve Davis or any other great snooker star of the past.

It's golfer Ian Woosnam.

Daft that, isn't it?

Story date: Wednesday 15 December

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