Oxford Utd 1, Colchester Utd 1

By JON MURRAY MATT Murphy missed a crucial late penalty as Oxford United failed to take advantage of the fastest goal ever at the Manor Ground last night.

James Lambert gave the home side a wonderful start by scoring in just 17 seconds - and that after Colchester had kicked off!

The Layer Road outfit lost possession near Oxford's penalty area, the ball was played back to goalkeeper Andre Arendse and his long punt upfield was pounced on by Lambert, who chested the ball down and shot left-footed past Simon Brown from 18 yards.

Although there may have been quicker goals scored at junior or reserve team level, it is believed to be the fastest goal on record at a first-team match at the Manor.

Colchester were bottom of Division 2 at the start of play and Oxford, just three places above them, had recorded only one league win since August. So this basement battle was never likely to be a classic.

Yet caretaker manager Mickey Lewis must have felt a warm glow on a chilly November evening as he saw Oxford dominate the first 25 minutes, putting together some good moves. The trouble was . . . they just couldn't get a second goal to kill off a Colchester side that in the early stages looked worse than Morecambe, but which grew in confidence and stature as the match wore on.

Murphy almost walked the ball in after a great left-wing cross from Paul Powell.

Then Rob Folland drove low just past the far post after a glorious long pass from Lambert which Peter Fear controlled with a classy lay-off.

No doubt eager to ensure his place in the team before Sunday's return to his old stomping ground Reading, Lambert looked full of energy and bright ideas as much of Oxford's best attacks developed down the right.

From one jinking run, Lambert squared the ball to Joey Beauchamp who was racing in at top speed. But after taking the ball wide to his right to make room for a shot, Beauchamp ran out of space and his shot was saved. Colchester manager Steve Whitton was dismissed from his dug-out in the 13th minute for comments he made to referee Paul Rejer.

Although people nearby reported a number of swear words were used, Whitton's actions seemed tame compared to the touchline antics of former United boss Malcolm Shotton!

After being cautioned, Whitton at first stepped just a couple of yards away from the dug-out and watched play from the Family Enclosure of the Beech Road Stand but in the second half he was banished higher up to the directors' box.

Colchester had hardly threat- ened in the opening half-hour, but in the 33rd minute, from their first corner, they equalised.

Frenchman Fabrice Richard was unmarked as he powered in a header, and striker Steve McGavin just got a foot to it to knock it over the line.

Attacking downhill in the second half, Oxford should nevertheless have been favourites to go on and win the game, but it never happened for them.

They lost confidence in their ability to prise open the Colchester defence and tried to go through the middle when they might have been better off trying to work their way down the flanks to get crosses in. They created one half-chance when Derek Lilley was fouled and the ref allowed Fear to take a quick free-kick which released Beauchamp for a run on goal. Although at an angle, he didn't quite get hold of the shot and it flashed wide.

The second half was becoming a poor spectacle with neither side getting anywhere when suddenly, out of nothing, Oxford got a penalty in the 75th minute.

Phil Whelan was impeded by Richard as he tried to flick on a Fear corner and the ref pointed immediately to the spot.

Having converted his first couple of penalties this season but missed at Tranmere when he tried to place it, Murphy this time elected to blast. Keeper Brown dived the wrong way but the ball struck the top of the bar and went over.

It might have been worse for the Yellows. Jason Dozzell was put through in a crowded box 13 minutes from time, but lost control in front of goal.

Story date: Wednesday 03 November

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