Oxford United 0 Southend United 2 (Hall 19, Mohsni 31)

4:56pm Saturday 28th April 2012 in Sport

OXFORD United were unable to take advantage of rivals dropping points elsewhere as they crashed to defeat at home to Southend United.

Chris Wilder’s side retain a slim chance of claiming a play-off place in the final game of the season next weekend, but a poor first half display prevented them from strengthening their case.

An error from debutant goalkeeper Connor Ripley allowed Ryan Hall’s free-kick to open the scoring and the Shrimpers quickly doubled their lead through Bilel Mohsni.

The U’s were on top for much of the second half but could not find a way back into the game as their winless run was extended to six games.

The United starting line-up showed four changes from the 1-1 draw at Plymouth Argyle a week earlier.

Ripley made his debut in goal after signing from Middlesbrough as an emergency loan following an injury to Wayne Brown in training.

Damian Batt, Simon Heslop and Jon-Paul Pittman also started, as Peter Leven, Adam Chapman and Cristian Montano made way.

The U’s had made a habit of conceding early goals, but they looked the more likely to score in a bright opening.

Dean Morgan saw a shot saved by Southend goalkeeper Cameron Belford’s outstretched leg on six minutes, with Asa Hall firing the rebound over.

Morgan and Pittman combined to set up a chance for Heslop with the next attack, but a deflection took the sting out of the midfielder’s shot.

Both United centre backs, Jake Wright and Michael Duberry, were booked within 60 seconds of each other.

The latter gave Southend a free-kick in a central position 25 yards out. Hall’s 19th-minute effort had power but was straight at Ripley, who somehow let the ball past his hands and into the net.

The error from the teenager was a body blow to the hosts, who lost their fluency in possession and became increasingly direct, with little success.

The task facing the hosts grew even more daunting on 31 minutes, when the Shrimpers doubled their lead.

A looping cross from the left should have been dealt with, but Mohsni leapt highest to expertly glance a header into the far corner.

Ripley was beaten for a third time six minutes before the break, when Neil Harris chipped the ball past the goalkeeper, but Duberry raced back to clear off the line.

United finished the half on top, with Whing drawing a save from Belford and Morgan heading over, but the 2-0 scoreline prompted some boos from the home fans at half-time.

Chapman was brought on at the interval and the midfielder had the first clear chance of the second half, on 56 minutes.

Scott Rendell crossed for Pittman to lay-off, but the substitute could not readjust his feet and shot harmlessly over.

With half an hour to play Tom Craddock was brought on for his first appearance since January.

The impressive Pittman came close to pulling a goal back midway through the second half. Running on to Chapman’s long throw the striker attempted to slot past Belford, who blocked.

Montano was introduced as the final throw of the dice with 15 minutes left.

The West Ham loanee quickly made an impact, jinking into the box before being tripped, but to the U’s amazement the referee gave a goal kick.

The setback proved the final straw for many home fans, who began to file out.

On the pitch United could not exert any late pressure to set up a grandstand finish as Southend held on for victory.

Attendance: 9,356 (1,106 visitors) Oxford Utd: Ripley, Batt, Duberry, Wright, Davis, Heslop (Chapman 46), Whing (Montano 76), Hall, Pittman, Rendell, Morgan (Craddock 58) Substitutes: Crocombe, Capaldi.

Comments (62)

5:07pm Sat 28 Apr 12

Joe1 says...

Where are our goals going to come from?
not a chance of winning today.cw we have to ask do you have the skills to manage at this level? It does not look as though he has. Our forwards are woeful.
Our defenders must feel like they are the last line of defence with a keeper like this lad behind them.
It will take a BIG miracle next
Week.

"Come on you yellows"
Where are our goals going to come from? not a chance of winning today.cw we have to ask do you have the skills to manage at this level? It does not look as though he has. Our forwards are woeful. Our defenders must feel like they are the last line of defence with a keeper like this lad behind them. It will take a BIG miracle next Week. "Come on you yellows" Joe1

5:17pm Sat 28 Apr 12

Phian says...

We can only hope for a settled squad next season. All this chopping and changing, even for necessary reasons, cannot be a formula for success.
We can only hope for a settled squad next season. All this chopping and changing, even for necessary reasons, cannot be a formula for success. Phian

5:20pm Sat 28 Apr 12

sagadude says...

stfc = champions 5-0

stfc = 2nd and promoted

Crawley stutter.

Come on Crewe.

Revenge is sweet A420 rivals :-)
stfc = champions 5-0 stfc = 2nd and promoted Crawley stutter. Come on Crewe. Revenge is sweet A420 rivals :-) sagadude

5:20pm Sat 28 Apr 12

sagadude says...

stfc = champions 5-0

stfc = 2nd and promoted

Crawley stutter.

Come on Crewe.

Revenge is sweet A420 rivals :-)
stfc = champions 5-0 stfc = 2nd and promoted Crawley stutter. Come on Crewe. Revenge is sweet A420 rivals :-) sagadude

5:29pm Sat 28 Apr 12

New Manor rename says...

sagadude wrote:
stfc = champions 5-0

stfc = 2nd and promoted

Crawley stutter.

Come on Crewe.

Revenge is sweet A420 rivals :-)
What revenge? Have we played you again without me noticing?
[quote][p][bold]sagadude[/bold] wrote: stfc = champions 5-0 stfc = 2nd and promoted Crawley stutter. Come on Crewe. Revenge is sweet A420 rivals :-)[/p][/quote]What revenge? Have we played you again without me noticing? New Manor rename

5:38pm Sat 28 Apr 12

EastleazeRed says...

STFC CHAMPIONS ! POXFORD UTD FOREVER IN OUR SHADOW !
STFC CHAMPIONS ! POXFORD UTD FOREVER IN OUR SHADOW ! EastleazeRed

5:56pm Sat 28 Apr 12

Ginger-nutz says...

What a great weekend....
.
Town are crowned champions, and you lot have well and truly blown it :)...
.
Done over by Luggy, an ex Town manager :)...
.
Congrats on your 2 wins over us this season, cos it's something you can tell the grand children about for many years to come :)
.
And maybe, just maybe..... You might play us again in 30 years or so :)...
.
Until then, I wish you all the best of luck for the future, and will sign off.
.
Adios....Cos the pleasure has been all ours :).....
What a great weekend.... . Town are crowned champions, and you lot have well and truly blown it :)... . Done over by Luggy, an ex Town manager :)... . Congrats on your 2 wins over us this season, cos it's something you can tell the grand children about for many years to come :) . And maybe, just maybe..... You might play us again in 30 years or so :)... . Until then, I wish you all the best of luck for the future, and will sign off. . Adios....Cos the pleasure has been all ours :)..... Ginger-nutz

6:11pm Sat 28 Apr 12

Whitstablexile says...

Ah the scum are back on the Oxford mail website giving it large. What a surprise.

The whole truth about the season is that you've gone up as champions despite bottling it twice against us and again at wembley. Seems like PDC just can't do it on the big day. Still, if the rumours are true, that won't be your problem much longer will it?
Ah the scum are back on the Oxford mail website giving it large. What a surprise. The whole truth about the season is that you've gone up as champions despite bottling it twice against us and again at wembley. Seems like PDC just can't do it on the big day. Still, if the rumours are true, that won't be your problem much longer will it? Whitstablexile

6:38pm Sat 28 Apr 12

adlibber says...

Wilder out he is clueless and we will go nowhere with him at the helm. His moment in the sun has come and gone. over 9000 fans amazing for a league two club and Wilder simply doesn't deserve that kind of support when he has overseen a disastrous run in, brought in some awful signings,let decent strikers go and has screwed up what was a comfortable play off place. Tactically inept and no plan b.
Wilder out he is clueless and we will go nowhere with him at the helm. His moment in the sun has come and gone. over 9000 fans amazing for a league two club and Wilder simply doesn't deserve that kind of support when he has overseen a disastrous run in, brought in some awful signings,let decent strikers go and has screwed up what was a comfortable play off place. Tactically inept and no plan b. adlibber

6:40pm Sat 28 Apr 12

Whitstablexile says...

I reluctantly agree with adlibber. I think he'll get another season though.
I reluctantly agree with adlibber. I think he'll get another season though. Whitstablexile

6:58pm Sat 28 Apr 12

oldun says...

Many congratulations to Swindon and Shroosbury and to their many sensible fans.
Many congratulations to Swindon and Shroosbury and to their many sensible fans. oldun

7:08pm Sat 28 Apr 12

Chish and Fips says...

oldun wrote:
Many congratulations to Swindon and Shroosbury and to their many sensible fans.
Don't know if I qualify as a sensible fan or not, as we have crossed swords in the past Oldun - but likewise to you and also the sensible fans of Oxford good luck - there's still a chance you lot can make the playoffs. Lady luck hasn't been too kind to you lot recently.

Have a good week you lot.
[quote][p][bold]oldun[/bold] wrote: Many congratulations to Swindon and Shroosbury and to their many sensible fans.[/p][/quote]Don't know if I qualify as a sensible fan or not, as we have crossed swords in the past Oldun - but likewise to you and also the sensible fans of Oxford good luck - there's still a chance you lot can make the playoffs. Lady luck hasn't been too kind to you lot recently. Have a good week you lot. Chish and Fips

7:42pm Sat 28 Apr 12

learned says...

Wilder has taken OUFC as far as he can and I am sorry but sorry time to go. He has brought in some awful loan signings withe the exception of Robbie Hall (Morgan,Franks,Phill
iskirk,Guy) !! And signed the hopeless Smalley...Please don't let him come back from Bradford !
Wilder has taken OUFC as far as he can and I am sorry but sorry time to go. He has brought in some awful loan signings withe the exception of Robbie Hall (Morgan,Franks,Phill iskirk,Guy) !! And signed the hopeless Smalley...Please don't let him come back from Bradford ! learned

8:05pm Sat 28 Apr 12

Whitstablexile says...

Chish and Fips wrote:
oldun wrote:
Many congratulations to Swindon and Shroosbury and to their many sensible fans.
Don't know if I qualify as a sensible fan or not, as we have crossed swords in the past Oldun - but likewise to you and also the sensible fans of Oxford good luck - there's still a chance you lot can make the playoffs. Lady luck hasn't been too kind to you lot recently.

Have a good week you lot.
I reckon you qualify Chish. You used to come on here and give it large but recently you've shown a bit of respect and got it back as a result.
[quote][p][bold]Chish and Fips[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]oldun[/bold] wrote: Many congratulations to Swindon and Shroosbury and to their many sensible fans.[/p][/quote]Don't know if I qualify as a sensible fan or not, as we have crossed swords in the past Oldun - but likewise to you and also the sensible fans of Oxford good luck - there's still a chance you lot can make the playoffs. Lady luck hasn't been too kind to you lot recently. Have a good week you lot.[/p][/quote]I reckon you qualify Chish. You used to come on here and give it large but recently you've shown a bit of respect and got it back as a result. Whitstablexile

8:25pm Sat 28 Apr 12

A Scroat says...

adlibber wrote:
Wilder out he is clueless and we will go nowhere with him at the helm. His moment in the sun has come and gone. over 9000 fans amazing for a league two club and Wilder simply doesn't deserve that kind of support when he has overseen a disastrous run in, brought in some awful signings,let decent strikers go and has screwed up what was a comfortable play off place. Tactically inept and no plan b.
Spot on again adlibber. My mum is available to play in goal next week so I am expecting a call from Wilder. I'm pumping up the tyres on her chair now.
[quote][p][bold]adlibber[/bold] wrote: Wilder out he is clueless and we will go nowhere with him at the helm. His moment in the sun has come and gone. over 9000 fans amazing for a league two club and Wilder simply doesn't deserve that kind of support when he has overseen a disastrous run in, brought in some awful signings,let decent strikers go and has screwed up what was a comfortable play off place. Tactically inept and no plan b.[/p][/quote]Spot on again adlibber. My mum is available to play in goal next week so I am expecting a call from Wilder. I'm pumping up the tyres on her chair now. A Scroat

8:28pm Sat 28 Apr 12

dave from witney says...

Certainly of late Wilder has shown that he is Conference standard and it stops there. Not sure if the board will act next month or wait till we start to struggle to put ninety minutes together next season. It would worry me a lot more if Kelvin left rather than Wilder. He cannot motivate, he struggles to sign decent players and he just cannot work out a system to break down opponents.
Certainly of late Wilder has shown that he is Conference standard and it stops there. Not sure if the board will act next month or wait till we start to struggle to put ninety minutes together next season. It would worry me a lot more if Kelvin left rather than Wilder. He cannot motivate, he struggles to sign decent players and he just cannot work out a system to break down opponents. dave from witney

8:41pm Sat 28 Apr 12

Ginger-nutz says...

Whitstablexile wrote:
Ah the scum are back on the Oxford mail website giving it large. What a surprise.

The whole truth about the season is that you've gone up as champions despite bottling it twice against us and again at wembley. Seems like PDC just can't do it on the big day. Still, if the rumours are true, that won't be your problem much longer will it?
Err bottlers???.......
.
Just remind me again.....which team have just stuttered at the finish line with stage fright after being in the play off places all season long :)
.
Now that's what I call bottlers :)
.
With 12 more league wins and 24 more league points than our neighbours, surely STFC cannot be called bottlers??....
.
Take a good look at the league table my friend, cos it tells no lies....
.
19 league home wins for us... That's 2 more than you have managed to achieve in 45 games :)....
.
Bottlers..... You need to take a look at yourselves in the mirror.
.
Good luck for next season, cos you should hopefully make the play offs if you can turn a few more draws into wins.
[quote][p][bold]Whitstablexile[/bold] wrote: Ah the scum are back on the Oxford mail website giving it large. What a surprise. The whole truth about the season is that you've gone up as champions despite bottling it twice against us and again at wembley. Seems like PDC just can't do it on the big day. Still, if the rumours are true, that won't be your problem much longer will it?[/p][/quote]Err bottlers???....... . Just remind me again.....which team have just stuttered at the finish line with stage fright after being in the play off places all season long :) . Now that's what I call bottlers :) . With 12 more league wins and 24 more league points than our neighbours, surely STFC cannot be called bottlers??.... . Take a good look at the league table my friend, cos it tells no lies.... . 19 league home wins for us... That's 2 more than you have managed to achieve in 45 games :).... . Bottlers..... You need to take a look at yourselves in the mirror. . Good luck for next season, cos you should hopefully make the play offs if you can turn a few more draws into wins. Ginger-nutz

8:59pm Sat 28 Apr 12

yellowhoods says...

Congratulations swindon true champs
Congratulations swindon true champs yellowhoods

8:59pm Sat 28 Apr 12

Malkym says...

Hi Brenda Jackson!! Commiserations on missing out on the play-offs well you must've blown it now for sure) but like I told you on the Champions forum a couple of months ago your lot were never going to make it!

So why not do the sensible thing next season ...take that little trip down the A420 and watch proper footballers.

BTW - OBU's been incredibly quiet lately -mmmm wonder why!!

Good luck for the rest of the season lol!!!

Goodbye Oxford we must leave you... moving on up ...moving on out!!!

Congrats on the massive number of posts.. oh hang on most of them are from the fans of....THE CHAMPIONS!!!!
Hi Brenda Jackson!! Commiserations on missing out on the play-offs well you must've blown it now for sure) but like I told you on the Champions forum a couple of months ago your lot were never going to make it! So why not do the sensible thing next season ...take that little trip down the A420 and watch proper footballers. BTW - OBU's been incredibly quiet lately -mmmm wonder why!! Good luck for the rest of the season lol!!! Goodbye Oxford we must leave you... moving on up ...moving on out!!! Congrats on the massive number of posts.. oh hang on most of them are from the fans of....THE CHAMPIONS!!!! Malkym

9:07pm Sat 28 Apr 12

Malkym says...

A Scroat wrote:
adlibber wrote: Wilder out he is clueless and we will go nowhere with him at the helm. His moment in the sun has come and gone. over 9000 fans amazing for a league two club and Wilder simply doesn't deserve that kind of support when he has overseen a disastrous run in, brought in some awful signings,let decent strikers go and has screwed up what was a comfortable play off place. Tactically inept and no plan b.
Spot on again adlibber. My mum is available to play in goal next week so I am expecting a call from Wilder. I'm pumping up the tyres on her chair now.
Not as amazing as over 12,000 fans for THE CHAMPS -OUFC -forever in our shadow!!
[quote][p][bold]A Scroat[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]adlibber[/bold] wrote: Wilder out he is clueless and we will go nowhere with him at the helm. His moment in the sun has come and gone. over 9000 fans amazing for a league two club and Wilder simply doesn't deserve that kind of support when he has overseen a disastrous run in, brought in some awful signings,let decent strikers go and has screwed up what was a comfortable play off place. Tactically inept and no plan b.[/p][/quote]Spot on again adlibber. My mum is available to play in goal next week so I am expecting a call from Wilder. I'm pumping up the tyres on her chair now.[/p][/quote]Not as amazing as over 12,000 fans for THE CHAMPS -OUFC -forever in our shadow!! Malkym

10:16pm Sat 28 Apr 12

BigAlBiker says...

I have been banging on all season we are not good enough to pay 433 as we get outrun in midfield every time, CW is a tactical numpty, we have league 2 players who deserve to be in league 2, we can't play "fancy" football as we're not good enough, it's time to wise up, it has to be 442 or my favourite 4141 with the advanced midfield players supporting a target man, CW has done well no question, but if this club wants to progress then we need a new man at he helm who can spot young quick skilful players not give them away and bring in hopeless loans, Hall and Holmes were excellent but where are they now?

CW it's P45 time and thanks for your time.
I have been banging on all season we are not good enough to pay 433 as we get outrun in midfield every time, CW is a tactical numpty, we have league 2 players who deserve to be in league 2, we can't play "fancy" football as we're not good enough, it's time to wise up, it has to be 442 or my favourite 4141 with the advanced midfield players supporting a target man, CW has done well no question, but if this club wants to progress then we need a new man at he helm who can spot young quick skilful players not give them away and bring in hopeless loans, Hall and Holmes were excellent but where are they now? CW it's P45 time and thanks for your time. BigAlBiker

12:08am Sun 29 Apr 12

Malkym says...

Holmes is celebrating being part of the CHAMPIONS side that deservedly won the L2 title.

Good to see one Yellow that realises their team's limitations!!
Holmes is celebrating being part of the CHAMPIONS side that deservedly won the L2 title. Good to see one Yellow that realises their team's limitations!! Malkym

12:24am Sun 29 Apr 12

topboymw says...

BigAlBiker wrote:
I have been banging on all season we are not good enough to pay 433 as we get outrun in midfield every time, CW is a tactical numpty, we have league 2 players who deserve to be in league 2, we can't play "fancy" football as we're not good enough, it's time to wise up, it has to be 442 or my favourite 4141 with the advanced midfield players supporting a target man, CW has done well no question, but if this club wants to progress then we need a new man at he helm who can spot young quick skilful players not give them away and bring in hopeless loans, Hall and Holmes were excellent but where are they now?

CW it's P45 time and thanks for your time.
100 % agree with you BigAl when we started using 433 we were over-run all the time and we either lost or at best drew. having a midfield three of leven,mclaren and heslop who aint the most athletic/fastest trio made it unable for them to use their passing abilities as they were being bypassed. it wasnt until whing took on the D Bulman role then it steadied abit. and whats with the loanies? what was wrong in trying Woodley?? Marsh or just keeping it as it was?... whats happened to Davis? he's a shadow of what he was at the start.
p.s. had to feel sorry for ripley in goal today u could tell he was nervous and that first goal he was mortified sort of thing that can ruin a young player
[quote][p][bold]BigAlBiker[/bold] wrote: I have been banging on all season we are not good enough to pay 433 as we get outrun in midfield every time, CW is a tactical numpty, we have league 2 players who deserve to be in league 2, we can't play "fancy" football as we're not good enough, it's time to wise up, it has to be 442 or my favourite 4141 with the advanced midfield players supporting a target man, CW has done well no question, but if this club wants to progress then we need a new man at he helm who can spot young quick skilful players not give them away and bring in hopeless loans, Hall and Holmes were excellent but where are they now? CW it's P45 time and thanks for your time.[/p][/quote]100 % agree with you BigAl when we started using 433 we were over-run all the time and we either lost or at best drew. having a midfield three of leven,mclaren and heslop who aint the most athletic/fastest trio made it unable for them to use their passing abilities as they were being bypassed. it wasnt until whing took on the D Bulman role then it steadied abit. and whats with the loanies? what was wrong in trying Woodley?? Marsh or just keeping it as it was?... whats happened to Davis? he's a shadow of what he was at the start. p.s. had to feel sorry for ripley in goal today u could tell he was nervous and that first goal he was mortified sort of thing that can ruin a young player topboymw

12:58am Sun 29 Apr 12

Ab Boy says...

Well down Swindon and as I posted last week, team with most points and wins will be Champs and thats you lot.

Also said we would not make the play-off's with a non settled team full of loan players!!

It does make me laugh though that Swindon fans now come on here AFTER its all over, not like some decent fans who come on here win lose or draw!!!

You wonder why some Oxford fans give you so much stick but its not hard to see when you act like that!!

Of course we would swap losing twice to you lot but still going up but you cant change history!!!

So although we wont make it this year we have a LITTLE comfort in the fact it will be at least another season before you can try and beat us again because REMEMBER we get to keep you as we have now beaten you three times on the trot!!!!

Hey its not much but its something!!!!

IF and its a big IF, PDC stays, you get at least five/six new players then you could have a good season next year but its mid to bottom half and a boring season to look forward to!!!
Well down Swindon and as I posted last week, team with most points and wins will be Champs and thats you lot. Also said we would not make the play-off's with a non settled team full of loan players!! It does make me laugh though that Swindon fans now come on here AFTER its all over, not like some decent fans who come on here win lose or draw!!! You wonder why some Oxford fans give you so much stick but its not hard to see when you act like that!! Of course we would swap losing twice to you lot but still going up but you cant change history!!! So although we wont make it this year we have a LITTLE comfort in the fact it will be at least another season before you can try and beat us again because REMEMBER we get to keep you as we have now beaten you three times on the trot!!!! Hey its not much but its something!!!! IF and its a big IF, PDC stays, you get at least five/six new players then you could have a good season next year but its mid to bottom half and a boring season to look forward to!!! Ab Boy

8:39am Sun 29 Apr 12

yellowhoods says...

Hi guys, whats happened?????same old oxford, I wish we were swindon.
Hi guys, whats happened?????same old oxford, I wish we were swindon. yellowhoods

8:44am Sun 29 Apr 12

oldun says...

poo or bust next week Mr Wilder - get that first goal and then defend like Chelsea in Bartha
poo or bust next week Mr Wilder - get that first goal and then defend like Chelsea in Bartha oldun

9:12am Sun 29 Apr 12

Ab Boy says...

Crewe will win anyway so it wont matter!!!!

Look at the silly points we dropped at home and that tells you everything!!!
Crewe will win anyway so it wont matter!!!! Look at the silly points we dropped at home and that tells you everything!!! Ab Boy

9:31am Sun 29 Apr 12

Stfcsteve says...

Better luck next season!!!
Better luck next season!!! Stfcsteve

9:42am Sun 29 Apr 12

yellowhoods says...

We are tin pot, no money, no future, wilder out.a420 joke club!!!!!!
We are tin pot, no money, no future, wilder out.a420 joke club!!!!!! yellowhoods

9:57am Sun 29 Apr 12

jontyg says...

You still have a chance of making the play-offs abeit a small one.
I enjoy all the derby games and OUFC did well to beat us twice this season. Good on ya!!
Have to say though, that we have been lucky with some of our results, but that's football for you.
Hope to see you next season.
You still have a chance of making the play-offs abeit a small one. I enjoy all the derby games and OUFC did well to beat us twice this season. Good on ya!! Have to say though, that we have been lucky with some of our results, but that's football for you. Hope to see you next season. jontyg

10:39am Sun 29 Apr 12

bigchet says...

looks like its all done and dusted now barring a miracle. cw has left hisself open to criticism and at times rightfully so but i feel that if we had not had the run of injuries then we would have got promotion. felt sorry for the young keeper having to come in to a key game at such short notice, but football being what it is ,next week he could be the hero .we live in hopes and there is always next season.
looks like its all done and dusted now barring a miracle. cw has left hisself open to criticism and at times rightfully so but i feel that if we had not had the run of injuries then we would have got promotion. felt sorry for the young keeper having to come in to a key game at such short notice, but football being what it is ,next week he could be the hero .we live in hopes and there is always next season. bigchet

11:48am Sun 29 Apr 12

sprouts says...

"p.s. had to feel sorry for ripley in goal today u could tell he was nervous and that first goal he was mortified sort of thing that can ruin a young player"

Yes, topboymw, agree. Thought it was very brave to accept this almost impossible mission at such short notice. Maybe a slip-up in the first goal, but otherwise well done. It's not his fault if our midfield and forwards are having such massive problems. Kudos, and hope this will carry him further in his career.
"p.s. had to feel sorry for ripley in goal today u could tell he was nervous and that first goal he was mortified sort of thing that can ruin a young player" Yes, topboymw, agree. Thought it was very brave to accept this almost impossible mission at such short notice. Maybe a slip-up in the first goal, but otherwise well done. It's not his fault if our midfield and forwards are having such massive problems. Kudos, and hope this will carry him further in his career. sprouts

12:04pm Sun 29 Apr 12

oxford bear says...

Joe1 wrote:
Where are our goals going to come from?
not a chance of winning today.cw we have to ask do you have the skills to manage at this level? It does not look as though he has. Our forwards are woeful.
Our defenders must feel like they are the last line of defence with a keeper like this lad behind them.
It will take a BIG miracle next
Week.

"Come on you yellows"
the referee was disgusting it was like he was playing for southend. southend were just diving on the floor and the referee were giving out more free kicks to southend than hes had hot dinners! oxford fc should of had a penalty at one point. the referee was absoloutly diabolical, it was like southend had a 12 player. rippley could of easily saved the second goal but he was in the wrong place at the wrong time! the match was defiantly not a fair match!!! so "COME ON YOU YELLOWS!!!!!"
[quote][p][bold]Joe1[/bold] wrote: Where are our goals going to come from? not a chance of winning today.cw we have to ask do you have the skills to manage at this level? It does not look as though he has. Our forwards are woeful. Our defenders must feel like they are the last line of defence with a keeper like this lad behind them. It will take a BIG miracle next Week. "Come on you yellows"[/p][/quote]the referee was disgusting it was like he was playing for southend. southend were just diving on the floor and the referee were giving out more free kicks to southend than hes had hot dinners! oxford fc should of had a penalty at one point. the referee was absoloutly diabolical, it was like southend had a 12 player. rippley could of easily saved the second goal but he was in the wrong place at the wrong time! the match was defiantly not a fair match!!! so "COME ON YOU YELLOWS!!!!!" oxford bear

3:27pm Sun 29 Apr 12

Simon84 says...

Gutless abselutely gutless.

Why did he loan a kid very short notice when I'm sure we have youth team keepers. What does it say to youth team players when they don't get a chance.

All the blame can't go on the keeper though the blame is all Wilders. He gets plaudits for doing well and he must get the flack for the team throwing away a good position in the league.

I will be shocked if he is sacked though.
Gutless abselutely gutless. Why did he loan a kid very short notice when I'm sure we have youth team keepers. What does it say to youth team players when they don't get a chance. All the blame can't go on the keeper though the blame is all Wilders. He gets plaudits for doing well and he must get the flack for the team throwing away a good position in the league. I will be shocked if he is sacked though. Simon84

3:55pm Sun 29 Apr 12

bigchet says...

think that cw had limited options regarding the goalkeeping loan at such short notice as there were probably few experienced keepers available and he went for a young keeper who is part of the international set up rather than throw young crocombe in at the deep end in such a vital game. sadly it did not work out and i hope young ripley does not take it to heart as all keepers can make mistakes.
think that cw had limited options regarding the goalkeeping loan at such short notice as there were probably few experienced keepers available and he went for a young keeper who is part of the international set up rather than throw young crocombe in at the deep end in such a vital game. sadly it did not work out and i hope young ripley does not take it to heart as all keepers can make mistakes. bigchet

4:32pm Sun 29 Apr 12

Megastar07 says...

I really can't understand signing a young inexperienced goalie for such a important game
Surely there are enough experienced goalies around
Yet again a wrong decision
Chris thanks but here's the door
I really can't understand signing a young inexperienced goalie for such a important game Surely there are enough experienced goalies around Yet again a wrong decision Chris thanks but here's the door Megastar07

4:45pm Sun 29 Apr 12

Stratton Red says...

FAO Mandate, OxBrisUtd amongst others. He who laughs last always laughs loudest...
*
As for the play-offs. I would usually wish you well as it's good to have a locally derby, but after the vile, disgusting, mindless ferral scum rats I witnessed at your ground non-league is too good for you.
*
Permanently in the Champions shadow!
FAO Mandate, OxBrisUtd amongst others. He who laughs last always laughs loudest... * As for the play-offs. I would usually wish you well as it's good to have a locally derby, but after the vile, disgusting, mindless ferral scum rats I witnessed at your ground non-league is too good for you. * Permanently in the Champions shadow! Stratton Red

5:06pm Sun 29 Apr 12

yellowhoods says...

Who else could he sign????the budget is about 40 quid, a420 joke club, I hope all those getting excited the first ten games feel a bit silly.The ground, staff, fans, all one big joke.
Who else could he sign????the budget is about 40 quid, a420 joke club, I hope all those getting excited the first ten games feel a bit silly.The ground, staff, fans, all one big joke. yellowhoods

6:14pm Sun 29 Apr 12

stfc777 says...

Have fun in league 2 next year scumford cos were going up as champions. May play you again in 30 years.
Have fun in league 2 next year scumford cos were going up as champions. May play you again in 30 years. stfc777

6:59pm Sun 29 Apr 12

jase1969 says...

constable,constable he stayed at oxford and won f**k all!!!! stfc red army!!!
constable,constable he stayed at oxford and won f**k all!!!! stfc red army!!! jase1969

7:32pm Sun 29 Apr 12

The Manager says...

Well done Swindon you have won promotion but there must be something missing in your club as you still have to come on this site posting vile comments why can't you all for once just talk about football matters in general or is that beyond you. Yes we look like still being in league 2 next season just maybe not you gone up concentration may focus on the whole season rather than just two games of which you were second best and obviously find it a bitter pill to swallow but good luck for next season
Well done Swindon you have won promotion but there must be something missing in your club as you still have to come on this site posting vile comments why can't you all for once just talk about football matters in general or is that beyond you. Yes we look like still being in league 2 next season just maybe not you gone up concentration may focus on the whole season rather than just two games of which you were second best and obviously find it a bitter pill to swallow but good luck for next season The Manager

7:47pm Sun 29 Apr 12

The Manager says...

well done Swindon you have won promotion but there must be something missing in your club as you still have to come on this site posting vile comments why can't you for once just talk about football matters in general or is that beyond you. Yes we look like still being in league 2 next season but just maybe now that you have gone up our concentration may focus more in the whole season rather than just two games of which you were second best and obviously find it a bitter pill to swallow but good luck for next season
well done Swindon you have won promotion but there must be something missing in your club as you still have to come on this site posting vile comments why can't you for once just talk about football matters in general or is that beyond you. Yes we look like still being in league 2 next season but just maybe now that you have gone up our concentration may focus more in the whole season rather than just two games of which you were second best and obviously find it a bitter pill to swallow but good luck for next season The Manager

12:37am Mon 30 Apr 12

Ab Boy says...

Some of them just cant get over us beating them twice can they!!!!

Well its THREE on the trot really!!

To some of the decent Swindon fans on here, good luck next season and hope you have a good un!!!

My bet is we will get drawn against you in one of the cup's next year!!!!

Bristol Rovers Fleetwood Bradford Oxford will be fighting it out next year for Champions
Some of them just cant get over us beating them twice can they!!!! Well its THREE on the trot really!! To some of the decent Swindon fans on here, good luck next season and hope you have a good un!!! My bet is we will get drawn against you in one of the cup's next year!!!! Bristol Rovers Fleetwood Bradford Oxford will be fighting it out next year for Champions Ab Boy

7:46am Mon 30 Apr 12

Malkym says...

Vile Comments = I'll think you'll find its called getting your own back for some of the Oxford morons posting on Town's site.

As to THREE on the trot well what a laugh - you can beat us 10 times on the trot for all I care as long as it always means we maintain our superiority over what is still essentially a southern league club in a 3 sided stadium that is almost as bad as the Manor.
Vile Comments = I'll think you'll find its called getting your own back for some of the Oxford morons posting on Town's site. As to THREE on the trot well what a laugh - you can beat us 10 times on the trot for all I care as long as it always means we maintain our superiority over what is still essentially a southern league club in a 3 sided stadium that is almost as bad as the Manor. Malkym

8:22am Mon 30 Apr 12

Tarkus says...

I rarely comment on here but time has come for things to be said.

On Saturday we played a rookey on keeper with two games experience that we got in on loan, despite having our own rookey keeper on the bench, surely we either get an experience keeper in or back our own young keeper, so that, if worse comes to worse, he has experience for the next game. Ripley to be fair to him, did his best, caught out for first goal but he will learn & be better for the experience.

But what is more worrying is that Wilder kept Chapman on the bench giving us a midfield that lacked any guile, it's no coincidence that in the pole on here Chappers was only behind Dubes for player of the match.

He also held Montanio back until it was almost too late for him to give Oxford much needed pace, while, yet again, he played Morgan who's body language says it all, once when tackled in the box he shrugged his shoulders as Southend broke & ambled back! At least Rendell & Montanio, both loanees too, give 100%.

Even my stepson, who's been fiercely supportive of Wilder, said he's lost faith in him now!!
I rarely comment on here but time has come for things to be said. On Saturday we played a rookey on keeper with two games experience that we got in on loan, despite having our own rookey keeper on the bench, surely we either get an experience keeper in or back our own young keeper, so that, if worse comes to worse, he has experience for the next game. Ripley to be fair to him, did his best, caught out for first goal but he will learn & be better for the experience. But what is more worrying is that Wilder kept Chapman on the bench giving us a midfield that lacked any guile, it's no coincidence that in the pole on here Chappers was only behind Dubes for player of the match. He also held Montanio back until it was almost too late for him to give Oxford much needed pace, while, yet again, he played Morgan who's body language says it all, once when tackled in the box he shrugged his shoulders as Southend broke & ambled back! At least Rendell & Montanio, both loanees too, give 100%. Even my stepson, who's been fiercely supportive of Wilder, said he's lost faith in him now!! Tarkus

8:48am Mon 30 Apr 12

LeGod says...

http://www.bbc.co.uk
/sport/0/football/17
795329

watch the link above Oxford fans you will know what champions are about.

Enjoy L2 next season

FOREVER IN OUR SHADOW

PAOLO DI CANIO
http://www.bbc.co.uk /sport/0/football/17 795329 watch the link above Oxford fans you will know what champions are about. Enjoy L2 next season FOREVER IN OUR SHADOW PAOLO DI CANIO LeGod

8:52am Mon 30 Apr 12

Ab Boy says...

You just keep on talking about it dont you!!!

Yes you went up but its with a bitter taste in your mouth and its tainted your glory!!!

LOL LOL LOL LOL
You just keep on talking about it dont you!!! Yes you went up but its with a bitter taste in your mouth and its tainted your glory!!! LOL LOL LOL LOL Ab Boy

9:53am Mon 30 Apr 12

The Good Ship Hardy says...

Chish and Fips wrote:
oldun wrote:
Many congratulations to Swindon and Shroosbury and to their many sensible fans.
Don't know if I qualify as a sensible fan or not, as we have crossed swords in the past Oldun - but likewise to you and also the sensible fans of Oxford good luck - there's still a chance you lot can make the playoffs. Lady luck hasn't been too kind to you lot recently.

Have a good week you lot.
I'd like to wish the sensible fans all the best too this coming Saturday. United beat the Town twice, Swindon over the rest of the season have been the best team in the league. That is why they are champions. I don't think Crewe will bottle it but fingers x for you all
[quote][p][bold]Chish and Fips[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]oldun[/bold] wrote: Many congratulations to Swindon and Shroosbury and to their many sensible fans.[/p][/quote]Don't know if I qualify as a sensible fan or not, as we have crossed swords in the past Oldun - but likewise to you and also the sensible fans of Oxford good luck - there's still a chance you lot can make the playoffs. Lady luck hasn't been too kind to you lot recently. Have a good week you lot.[/p][/quote]I'd like to wish the sensible fans all the best too this coming Saturday. United beat the Town twice, Swindon over the rest of the season have been the best team in the league. That is why they are champions. I don't think Crewe will bottle it but fingers x for you all The Good Ship Hardy

10:17am Mon 30 Apr 12

Mick E says...

Am I the only one here who is glad we didn't get promotion this year? We need to rebuild, get some of the youth players a bit of experience next year & move on slowly but surely, as we have done for the past 3 seasons. The only reason this feels like a bad season is because we're constantly comparing ourselves to Scumdon, who were a side with a bigger squad even before they splashed the cash, and just got relegated, so to be 6 or 7 places behind them this year is again good progress, for a club like Oxford it really is a marathon & not a sprint, over many seasons, we should aim to be in the 2nd tier in the next 10 years, not think about unrealistic back to back promotions all the time, and Wilder has taken us forwards, I keep asking the question who could we replace him with? Nobody. Scumdon fans like Yellow hood come on here to wind us up, it doesn't work on me because I'm happy to be where we are, don't rise to the bait guys, please. If we got promotion this year then next year would be painful & damaging to the long term future of our club as we don't have the financial backing that other teams like Swindon have. My biggest regret of the season is that we didn't sell Beano to them.
Am I the only one here who is glad we didn't get promotion this year? We need to rebuild, get some of the youth players a bit of experience next year & move on slowly but surely, as we have done for the past 3 seasons. The only reason this feels like a bad season is because we're constantly comparing ourselves to Scumdon, who were a side with a bigger squad even before they splashed the cash, and just got relegated, so to be 6 or 7 places behind them this year is again good progress, for a club like Oxford it really is a marathon & not a sprint, over many seasons, we should aim to be in the 2nd tier in the next 10 years, not think about unrealistic back to back promotions all the time, and Wilder has taken us forwards, I keep asking the question who could we replace him with? Nobody. Scumdon fans like Yellow hood come on here to wind us up, it doesn't work on me because I'm happy to be where we are, don't rise to the bait guys, please. If we got promotion this year then next year would be painful & damaging to the long term future of our club as we don't have the financial backing that other teams like Swindon have. My biggest regret of the season is that we didn't sell Beano to them. Mick E

10:45am Mon 30 Apr 12

Major Oxford says...

I said it last week and I will say it again WILDER OUT!!!
I said it last week and I will say it again WILDER OUT!!! Major Oxford

11:15am Mon 30 Apr 12

LeGod says...

wilder wont go as he is a cheap option for you and he will be in place for next season. For a club like Oxford you have lower limits than us down the road and you have to remember you have only come back in to the league two seasons ago.

So you have to walk before you can run and i think next season will be hard as well as now fat boy Evans is at Rotherham they will be competing at the top as will Rovers with McGee in charge and i have a feeling Plymouth will be competing as well as Chesterfield and also the teams in the top 7 who dont get promoted this season so another tough season next year for you lot.

We will be competing for a top 6 place next season - just watch this space and never underestimate Paolo Di Canio as all you Yellow fans did at the start of the season when we started badly.

There are players now that are lining up to come and play for us and want to play for Di Canio and i cant say that would ever happen with Wilder.
wilder wont go as he is a cheap option for you and he will be in place for next season. For a club like Oxford you have lower limits than us down the road and you have to remember you have only come back in to the league two seasons ago. So you have to walk before you can run and i think next season will be hard as well as now fat boy Evans is at Rotherham they will be competing at the top as will Rovers with McGee in charge and i have a feeling Plymouth will be competing as well as Chesterfield and also the teams in the top 7 who dont get promoted this season so another tough season next year for you lot. We will be competing for a top 6 place next season - just watch this space and never underestimate Paolo Di Canio as all you Yellow fans did at the start of the season when we started badly. There are players now that are lining up to come and play for us and want to play for Di Canio and i cant say that would ever happen with Wilder. LeGod

1:58pm Mon 30 Apr 12

Malkym says...

Major Oxford wrote:
I said it last week and I will say it again WILDER OUT!!!
Mick E said - My biggest regret of the season is that we didn't sell Beano to them.


Yep Mick and our biggest bonus of the season is that Paolo saw what a pr@t he was and told him to get on his bike after messing him around!!

Yep Major - Gene was no good in Willie Wonka was he - mind you he should have been OK managing a team of Oompah Loompas!!
[quote][p][bold]Major Oxford[/bold] wrote: I said it last week and I will say it again WILDER OUT!!![/p][/quote]Mick E said - My biggest regret of the season is that we didn't sell Beano to them. Yep Mick and our biggest bonus of the season is that Paolo saw what a pr@t he was and told him to get on his bike after messing him around!! Yep Major - Gene was no good in Willie Wonka was he - mind you he should have been OK managing a team of Oompah Loompas!! Malkym

7:23pm Mon 30 Apr 12

Ab Boy says...

Is this the team of Oompah Loompas that beat you twice this season and THREE times on the trot???

If we had only treated all other games like the Swindon games we would have won it!!!

At your place you say LUCKY, but then beat you with ten men the next time, THAT MAKES us the better team I would say!!

You bottled the big games, Oxford TWICE, WEMBLEY, ALDERSHOT (to win promotion) and 1 down at home to Shrewsbury who then should have had a cast iron pen to go two up!!!!

You just played better against the rubbish teams than we did!!!

Good job you had a few points lead at the time as you would have clearly bottled it if it would have been close!!

Mid table/relagation battle in Div 1 or pushing to win the league in Div 2???

Now thats a tricky one and when you are getting dicked most weeks will the crowds go back to 4 and 5 thousand again????

WHERE WERE YOU WHEN YOU WERE S**T
Is this the team of Oompah Loompas that beat you twice this season and THREE times on the trot??? If we had only treated all other games like the Swindon games we would have won it!!! At your place you say LUCKY, but then beat you with ten men the next time, THAT MAKES us the better team I would say!! You bottled the big games, Oxford TWICE, WEMBLEY, ALDERSHOT (to win promotion) and 1 down at home to Shrewsbury who then should have had a cast iron pen to go two up!!!! You just played better against the rubbish teams than we did!!! Good job you had a few points lead at the time as you would have clearly bottled it if it would have been close!! Mid table/relagation battle in Div 1 or pushing to win the league in Div 2??? Now thats a tricky one and when you are getting dicked most weeks will the crowds go back to 4 and 5 thousand again???? WHERE WERE YOU WHEN YOU WERE S**T Ab Boy

7:41pm Mon 30 Apr 12

Malkym says...

Went fishing -baited the hook - caught one!

mmm now let me see - who's in L1 and who's in L2 - oh yeah you lot!

CrAB boy -you're all IFs!!

You just played better against the rubbish teams -no we didnt we lost twice to you.

Now then run that by me again - beat your nearest rivals twice and stay do wn - not sure I'd want some of that!
Went fishing -baited the hook - caught one! mmm now let me see - who's in L1 and who's in L2 - oh yeah you lot! CrAB boy -you're all IFs!! You just played better against the rubbish teams -no we didnt we lost twice to you. Now then run that by me again - beat your nearest rivals twice and stay do wn - not sure I'd want some of that! Malkym

8:27pm Mon 30 Apr 12

jontyg says...

Macclesfield are looking for an experienced manager to lead them in theConference next season.
Macclesfield are looking for an experienced manager to lead them in theConference next season. jontyg

10:14pm Mon 30 Apr 12

The Manager says...

We will pass that one over to Wilder then
We will pass that one over to Wilder then The Manager

12:45am Tue 1 May 12

Ab Boy says...

Please

Reeled me in??

Nobody in Swindon is that clever.

Dress it up whichever way you want, BUT it hurts so much that we did the double over you this season

OUCH!!!!!!!!
Please Reeled me in?? Nobody in Swindon is that clever. Dress it up whichever way you want, BUT it hurts so much that we did the double over you this season OUCH!!!!!!!! Ab Boy

7:27am Tue 1 May 12

Chish and Fips says...

AB it hurt at the time, but we have moved on to better things we hope now, and got over it.

Hope your match Sat goes well and perhaps then we can meet again in L1.

As an outsider, your club doesn't appear to splash the cash and would promotion with your finances be a big problem I wonder. Perhaps another season or two in L2 would be better in the long run.

Have a good week you lot.
AB it hurt at the time, but we have moved on to better things we hope now, and got over it. Hope your match Sat goes well and perhaps then we can meet again in L1. As an outsider, your club doesn't appear to splash the cash and would promotion with your finances be a big problem I wonder. Perhaps another season or two in L2 would be better in the long run. Have a good week you lot. Chish and Fips

8:55am Tue 1 May 12

Ab Boy says...

To be fair F&C its NOT alll about the cash as its costing a fortune having all those loan singings and I honestly believe if PDC was managing us we would have won a lot more games and the least he would have done was got us in the play-offs!!!

I hope you can keep him and you also need to spend again.

As for us next season I think it will be even harder than this
To be fair F&C its NOT alll about the cash as its costing a fortune having all those loan singings and I honestly believe if PDC was managing us we would have won a lot more games and the least he would have done was got us in the play-offs!!! I hope you can keep him and you also need to spend again. As for us next season I think it will be even harder than this Ab Boy

1:58pm Tue 1 May 12

Malkym says...

Ab Boy - you still have a slim chance of the playoffs - its squeaky bum time - who will bottle it most?
Ab Boy - you still have a slim chance of the playoffs - its squeaky bum time - who will bottle it most? Malkym

2:36pm Tue 1 May 12

Ab Boy says...

We have NO chance!!

Crewe are playing to well, we wont win at Port Vale so like 99% of us, its another season in Div 2!!!

Its like those people who thought that Coventry MIGHT get something at Southampton to help Westham, IT WAS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN FOR GODS SAKE!!!!
We have NO chance!! Crewe are playing to well, we wont win at Port Vale so like 99% of us, its another season in Div 2!!! Its like those people who thought that Coventry MIGHT get something at Southampton to help Westham, IT WAS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN FOR GODS SAKE!!!! Ab Boy

8:54pm Wed 2 May 12

AlexF says...

All this bickering over a game...children, get rid of your angry pants and lighten up!
All this bickering over a game...children, get rid of your angry pants and lighten up! AlexF

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