Oxford United 1, Bury 1

By Jon Murray UNITED let two league points slip out of the bag after taking the lead and seeing Bury reduced to ten men midway through the second half.

They were made to pay for not killing Bury off when they had the game firmly in their grasp, but The Shakers - Division 2's version of the Wimbledon party-poopers - showed commendable spirit by striking back against the odds.

For the second home match running running, Jamie Lambert got the U's off to the perfect start.

In the tenth minute, he turned with remarkable speed and blasted a shot between goalkeeper Paddy Kenny and his near post after Joey Beachamp's corner was headed into the air at the near post by Phil Whelan.

Derek Lilley might have made it two when he raced through on goal with only a defender to beat, but he panicked and shot well wide.

United played some good football with plenty of movement and variation in their passing, without creating the chances they needed to get that vital second goal. The first half became something of a stalemate with defences on top, and the only noteworthy effort from Bury came on 28 minutes when Chris Billy volleyed over from 20 yards.

Mickey Lewis had dispensed with Les Robinson in the midfield holding role, which meant that Reading hero Ross Weatherstone was relegated to the bench.

Returning to the team after suspension was Paul Tait, who added an extra dimension with his vitality in midfield and some impressive passing.

But Bury, realising they had nothing to lose, really went for it in the second half.

Andy Woodward fired in a 25-yarder which caused Paul Lundin trouble in the wet conditions as the ball skidded off the turf. The Swede failed to hold the shot but then collected.

The contest was looking like a routine 1-0 home win when it burst into life in the 63rd minute.

Mark Watson and Andy Preece were both booked after an off-the ball incident spotted by a linesman, and just two minutes later, Preece showed he was somewhat lacking in the grey matter department by diving in with a reckless challenge on Neil McGowan. It was hardly a difficult decision for the referee, who immediately brought out another yellow card followed instantly by red.

Preece, however, showed his disgust at being sent off by kicking the ball over the Beech Road stand as he headed off down the tunnel.

With footballs costing more than £50 and United in no position to throw money away, one wonders whether Preece will be invoiced for it.

Watson went close to doubling United's lead with a powerful header from a Beauchamp corner which Kenny saved on his goalline.

Beauchamp, with one of his shins badly gashed, was becoming frustrated as little went right for him, and one run through the inside right channel which ended with a poor cutback, summed up his disappointing evening.

In contrast, Whelan was having one of his better games and the big man was unlucky not to score with a left-footed drive which Kenny just managed to tip over the bar.

But ten minutes from time, United were caught napping at the back when Ian Lawson latched on to a pass from Adrian Littlejohn and shot low past Lundin from 15 yards for his tenth goal of the season. Bury introduced Bhaichung Bhutia, the first Indian to play in the Football League, and although he had a tendency to fall over looking for a foul too often, he was also very skilful.

Six minutes from the end, Bhutia turned sharply, shot past Lundin and was very unlucky to see his effort hit Whelan on the foot.

Only in the last few minutes did Oxford show the urgency that might have been expected earlier. but they couldn't find a second goal, leaving bogey team Bury delighted by the final result.

Story date: Monday 15 November

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