Oxford United v Torquay United 25/01/2014 Match Thread

[Gullscorer]

Okay, here's an introduction, as brief as I can make it, to this weekend’s Oxford United v Torquay United League Two game. Chris Hargreaves, thanks to last week’s postponed Northampton game, now takes his Gulls team to the Kassam Stadium for what is only his second match, and also his second away game, as Torquay manager.

Oxford have been at the Kassam Stadium since 2001, having moved there from the Manor Ground, the re-development of which was considered to be too costly. Last season was blighted by injuries and patchy form: after opening the season with three wins and briefly heading the table, Oxford lost their next six games, a pattern of inconsistency that was to continue throughout the season. They finished outside the play-offs for the third consecutive season, but manager Chris Wilder was given a further one-year contract in April 2013.

Some Oxford fans were unhappy about the decision to renew Wilder's contract, having pressed for his sacking during the second half of the 2012–13 season. Some still feel that way now, though many clubs would probably be quite happy to have Wilder as their manager. It was recently reported that Northampton Town are interested in the Oxford boss becoming the Cobblers’ new manager, but Wilder is definitely in charge for the Oxford-Torquay game.

For those interested in meaningless statistics (meaningless because so far this season in League Two anybody has been capable of beating anybody on the day), Oxford’s form over their past six league games has been the same as Torquay’s: P6 W2 D2 L2. http://weekendfootball.co.uk/analysis/f ... mescount=6 However, their last win at home was four league games ago, and their last game was last Tuesday’s 0-3 FA Cup replay defeat at home to Charlton Athletic.

Oxford will of course be looking to bounce back against a Gulls team which is now considerably better than their league position would suggest, though Wilder will be most unlikely to under-estimate our lads, just as Hargreaves will not be expecting an easy game for the Gulls against a team which, despite its recent indifferent form, still occupies a play-off place in the league table.

Hargreaves and Lee Hodges watched the Oxford-Charlton game and they will have planned and prepared accordingly. My feeling is that the two teams are evenly matched and the Gulls have a great chance of pulling off a good win here. Certainly after a two week lay-off they will be keen and determined to get a positive result in the second game of the new Hargreaves era, and in my opinion are more than capable of doing so.

The Oxford team against Charlton was: Clarke, Hunt, Newey, Ruffles, Wright, Raynes, Davies, Mullins, Smalley, Constable (sub Marsh), Rigg (sub O’Dowda). Subs: Rose, Maesh, Long, Lynn, Shama, Bevans, O’Dowda.

For the Gulls game, Oxford welcome back midfielder Nicky Wroe, who missed the midweek defeat by Charlton because he was cup-tied. He was a Plainmoor favourite from 2008 to 2011, and will be fondly remembered by many Gulls fans. He is currently on loan with Oxford from Preston North End. Injured striker Dave Kitson (ankle) and winger Ryan Williams will have late fitness tests ahead of the game.

The Gulls team at Wimbledon was: Poke, O’Connor, Nicholson, Lathrope, Pearce, Downes, Mansell, Labadie, Hawley, Stockley (sub Bodin), Benyon. Subs: Tonge, Bodin, Cameron, Chappell, Rice, Goodwin, Craig. Torquay have no fresh injury worries and could bring new signing Shaun Cooper into the side at the back.

This is a game all Gulls fans will be relishing. Unfortunately I cannot get away to see it, but I’ve no doubt there will be a sizeable contingent of Gulls fans there to cheer the lads on to hopefully another fine win.

[oxgull]

I'll be there! Well, I'm only just up the road so it would be rude not to. COYYs I'v got us down for 2-2 but in my heart I think we may sneak this one.

[robbotufc]

will be my 5th time at the Kassam stadium tomorrow,not seen us lose there yet W2-D2-L0,so hoping for another win

[jonnyfive]

Really looking forward to watching tomorrow's game. Their home form is mediocre, and we are reborn under Greavsie.

I've backed 2-0 to the good guys @ 20/1

[gullno4]

unfortunately I can't go to this one! heart says 2-1 to us, head says 2-1 oxford!

[nickfrench82]

I think a draw is the most likely and most balanced guess. Benyon for us

[ferrarilover]

Kitson confirmed (unofficially but reliably) as unavailable. Alfie Potter too.

Matt.

[tktufc91]

Kitson confirmed (unofficially but reliably) as unavailable. Alfie Potter too.

Matt.

That would be great news. My local bookie has us at 3/1 to win today. Quite tempted to put a few quid on us winning today.

[Gullscorer]

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[Louis]

Ha thanks Gullscorer. Pleasure

[brucie]

Oxfords third game in seven days on some strength sapping pitches, yet we come into the game fresh. Could that make a difference if can keep the game tight?
Key players missing for them and some doubt as to whether their manager is going or not.
Whereas Knill seemed to be the unluckiest bloke in the world you have to wonder whether Hargreaves is the reverse and is going to be a "lucky" manager?

[SuperNickyWroe]

Oxfords third game in seven days on some strength sapping pitches, yet we come into the game fresh. Could that make a difference if can keep the game tight?
Key players missing for them and some doubt as to whether their manager is going or not.
Whereas Knill seemed to be the unluckiest bloke in the world you have to wonder whether Hargreaves is the reverse and is going to be a "lucky" manager?

good points there brucie.

lets hope you are right.

[Gullscorer]

Probably mentioned elsewhere. I'm cutting it really fine. Anyone know how likely it is that I will get parking just before kick off and if not, is there anywhere ok to park nearby? Don't fancy somewhere in blackbird lees if possible!!!

There's generally more than enough parking available at the stadium: http://www.stadiumguide.com/kassam/

[wivelgull]

What is blackbirdlees?

[Banging_Them_In]

What is blackbirdlees?

.....tiz Lee's girlfriend, who just happens to be of Afro Caribbean origin I reckon.....