Four changes for Oxford United in season finale

2:23pm Saturday 5th May 2012 in Headlines Photograph of the Author By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

CHRIS Wilder makes four changes in an unfamiliar starting line-up for Oxford United’s must-win final game of the season.

To keep their promotion hopes alive by claiming the final play-off spot, the U’s must win and hope Crewe Alexandra lose at home to Aldershot.

Damian Martinez starts 24 hours after signing an emergency loan move from Arsenal, becoming the fourth goalkeeper in five games to play in goal. He replaces Connor Ripley, who played in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Southend United, was released back to Middlesbrough this week.

Tony Capaldi also makes his debut at the end of a season ravaged by injury.

The former Northern Ireland international is likely to play on the left of a four-man midfield, which also sees the return of Peter Leven.

Up front Tom Craddock makes his first start since January, playing in behind Jon-Paul Pittman.

Scott Rendell drops to the bench, alongside Oli Johnson, but Simon Heslop and Dean Morgan drop out altogether.

Oxford Utd: Martinez, Batt, Duberry, Wright, Davis, Hall, Whing, Leven, Capaldi, Craddock, Pittman.

Substitutes: Crocombe, Chapman, Johnson, Rendell, Montano.

Comments (14)

3:24pm Sat 5 May 12

Ginger-nutz says...

Crewe are 1 nil up :)
.
Hooray!!!
Crewe are 1 nil up :) . Hooray!!! Ginger-nutz

3:33pm Sat 5 May 12

BigAlBiker says...

Crewe 1 Shots 1
Crewe 1 Shots 1 BigAlBiker

3:47pm Sat 5 May 12

BigAlBiker says...

Crewe 1 Shots 2

Problem is we're losing at Vale
Crewe 1 Shots 2 Problem is we're losing at Vale BigAlBiker

3:49pm Sat 5 May 12

Ginger-nutz says...

It really don't matter what Crewe do.....
.
Cos your losing to Vale anyway :)...
It really don't matter what Crewe do..... . Cos your losing to Vale anyway :)... Ginger-nutz

3:57pm Sat 5 May 12

Ginger-nutz says...

Your currently 10th :).....
.
Slip Slidin' away back into the abyss of League 2 also rans :)...
Your currently 10th :)..... . Slip Slidin' away back into the abyss of League 2 also rans :)... Ginger-nutz

4:03pm Sat 5 May 12

northampton yellow says...

useless all the play again and no strike power "AGAIN"we cant even score let alone win oh well L2 next season
useless all the play again and no strike power "AGAIN"we cant even score let alone win oh well L2 next season northampton yellow

4:29pm Sat 5 May 12

BigAlBiker says...

Vale now have 2, CW time to go, you would struggle to score in a free brothel so thanks for your time the door is to your right.
Vale now have 2, CW time to go, you would struggle to score in a free brothel so thanks for your time the door is to your right. BigAlBiker

4:34pm Sat 5 May 12

Ginger-nutz says...

Never say never....
.
You still have 20 minutes to rescue your season...
.
Torquay 3 nil down at half time, and now 3:2 so anything is possible....if you have goalscorer's.....
.
Ermm.... Forget it!!
Never say never.... . You still have 20 minutes to rescue your season... . Torquay 3 nil down at half time, and now 3:2 so anything is possible....if you have goalscorer's..... . Ermm.... Forget it!! Ginger-nutz

4:35pm Sat 5 May 12

OX3 says...

I'm an oxford fan to sum up the season simply not good enough I predicted it would be a mid table finish and I was right typical oxford no surprise.
I'm an oxford fan to sum up the season simply not good enough I predicted it would be a mid table finish and I was right typical oxford no surprise. OX3

4:48pm Sat 5 May 12

bullyfish says...

from all STFC fans, congrats on your 10th place finish and your 2 wins over us hahahahhaahahahahaha
hha L2 or conference 4 eva CYA
from all STFC fans, congrats on your 10th place finish and your 2 wins over us hahahahhaahahahahaha hha L2 or conference 4 eva CYA bullyfish

4:51pm Sat 5 May 12

bullyfish says...

think we beat vale 5-0 last week too, what a sweet sweet day, poxford 0 swindle 1 goodnight, now keep off our champions site once and for all f*** you all
think we beat vale 5-0 last week too, what a sweet sweet day, poxford 0 swindle 1 goodnight, now keep off our champions site once and for all f*** you all bullyfish

5:05pm Sat 5 May 12

bullyfish says...

LOL ok i concede, what i meant to say was congrats on the dizzt heights of your infact 9th place finish, well done a terrific season for you all love from di canios red and white army marching straight through to the championship addios
LOL ok i concede, what i meant to say was congrats on the dizzt heights of your infact 9th place finish, well done a terrific season for you all love from di canios red and white army marching straight through to the championship addios bullyfish

5:32pm Sat 5 May 12

yellowhoods says...

And people actually thought swindon would go down after 5 games, what a weird, small time, pathetic club we are.
And people actually thought swindon would go down after 5 games, what a weird, small time, pathetic club we are. yellowhoods

6:10pm Sat 5 May 12

Ginger-nutz says...

Enjoy the summer guys and come back with optimism next season.....
.
From where I'm sat, you appear to lack goals..... So what was the big thing about Constable, when he hardly appears to be in a regular line up?.....
.
You weren't losing too many, but you were drawing far too many.....especially at your place...
.
Wilder needs to be more commited at home, and go for the jugular every week....
.
In this league, you are better off going for it and leaving the odd gap, because strikers are not brilliant at this level, and will probably only net 1 in 4 decent chances....
.
Better luck next season guys, because on attendances and revenue alone, you should be a top 6 side.
Enjoy the summer guys and come back with optimism next season..... . From where I'm sat, you appear to lack goals..... So what was the big thing about Constable, when he hardly appears to be in a regular line up?..... . You weren't losing too many, but you were drawing far too many.....especially at your place... . Wilder needs to be more commited at home, and go for the jugular every week.... . In this league, you are better off going for it and leaving the odd gap, because strikers are not brilliant at this level, and will probably only net 1 in 4 decent chances.... . Better luck next season guys, because on attendances and revenue alone, you should be a top 6 side. Ginger-nutz

Comments are closed on this article.

click2find

Get Adobe Flash player
About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree