Chris Wilder faces some tricky selection problems – nice ones, of course – for tomorrow’s game at Barrow.

Does he stick with Adam Chapman and Jack Midson, who both scored against Crawley on Tuesday, or revert to the 4-3-3 system with Damian Batt at right back and the front three of Matt Green, James Constable and Jamie Cook?

“Damian’s been in a side that hasn’t conceded many goals at all,” said United’s manager.

“Jack got a good goal and should possibly have scored in the last three after missing late on at Gateshead.

“Jack showed his quality, I thought he grew as the game went on.

“Chappy struck a superb free-kick and he can certainly dig a ball.

“He’s obviously been on the outside looking in but he’s a great one for the future.

“He needs a bit of love, a bit of head-rubbing at times, but he’s got ability.

“He tired towards the end, but he can be pleased with the part he played against Crawley.

“Whatever way we go, it will be a 16-man game on Saturday.

“Yes, I’ve got difficult decisions to make, but I’m not afraid to make them.”

Like Gateshead last Saturday, Barrow is another ultra-long trip, but the stadia are total contrasts.

Holker Street is a typical old-fashioned Football League ground with terracing and noisy home fans, as United recall from their humbling 3-0 defeat their on the opening day of last season.

“It’s a difficult place to go, the supporters are very vociferous, and they do compete.

“Reports we had from Tuesday are that they won their individual battles all over the pitch, which gave them the platform to beat Mansfield.

“It’s amazing . . . Mansfield beat us, so we know how tough it will be.

“But we’ve had a good week and we’ll be aiming to end it in style.”

The 3-1 victory over Mansfield ended Barrow’s run of seven games without a win, and was their most impressive performance of the season so far – by some way.

Joint managers Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan had got all the players together the previous day, and had a long talk with them, following their 3-0 defeat at Salisbury.

He said everyone, themselves included, were fighting for their futures.

The rallying call seemed to galvanise them, but just as key was striker Justin Walker’s return after he missed three matches with a hamstring injury.

Walker scored after seven minutes and although the Stags equalised just before half-time, Walker netted again with a brilliant goal just after the break, and they went on to add a third near the end.

Oxford’s games against Barrow tend to be eventful.

As well as the 3-0 defeat at Holker Street in August 2008, when James Clarke was sent off, the return at the Kassam Stadium, this time under Wil-der, saw the U’s gain revenge with a 3-0 win of their own.

But what stood out was the hapless referee giving defender Nat Kerr two yellow cards, and letting him stay on the pitch. The FA brushed it under the carpet.