Plymouth Argyle 1 (Williams 2) Oxford United 1 (Hall 36)

4:59pm Saturday 21st April 2012 in Oxford Utd Photograph of the Author By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

OXFORD United dropped out of the play-off positions as a draw at Plymouth Argyle extended their winless run to five games.

The visitors fell behind inside 90 seconds to Robbie Williams’ deflected free-kick, but drew level before the break courtesy of a wonder strike from Asa Hall.

Adam Chapman hit the woodwork from a set piece early in the second half, with what turned out to be the closest moment either side came to finding a winner.

The point was enough for Plymouth, who stayed up as a result, but it was costly for United, whose long stay in the top seven was ended as Crewe Alexandra leapfrogged them thanks to a win against Cheltenham Town.

Peter Leven made a surprise return to United’s starting line-up in the only change from the goalless draw against Gillingham a week earlier.

The Scot’s early recovery from a knee injury saw him come in for Damian Batt, with Andy Whing switching to right back.

Plymouth came into the contest knowing a win would definitelty see them safe from relegation with two games to spare and they made a flying start.

Just 84 seconds were on the clock when Williams’ free-kick deflected off the United wall past a helpless Wayne Brown.

Argyle could easily have doubled their lead on six minutes, when a terrific swerving half volley from Luke Young was turned round the post by Brown at full stretch.

The home side were first to every ball and with the exception of a deflected shot from Dean Morgan, United struggled to make an impact in the final third.

Brown was called upon midway through the half to make another smart stop from Young after Warren Feeney’s cross from the left was not dealt with by the visitors’ back four.

United’s travelling support had little to shout about, but out of nowhere Hall turned the game nine minutes before the break.

Given space 30 yards out, the midfielder took aim and smashed a shot which flew over Argyle goalkeeper Jake Cole and dipped into the net.

The goal transformed the U’s, who suddenly looked much brighter in possession.

Neat play between Morgan and the impressive Liam Davis saw the latter drill a low cross into the box for Chapman, whose shot was blocked.

The second half began in the same way as the first, with Plymouth threatening from a set piece.

Paul Wotton lined up a free-kick, which was again deflected, but this time it flew off a Plymouth body and wide of the post.

At the other end Chapman came within a whisker of making it 2-1 from another free-kick on 52 minutes.

The midfielder’s inswinging delivery from the left flank was aimed at Michael Duberry, but it was missed by everyone and curled onto the inside of the post, bouncing to safety.

It was the final clear chance for some time, as the sides became bogged down in midfield.

James Constable and Oli Johnson were thrown on off the United bench, but the former’s contribution was short-lived.

Within 13 minutes of coming on the U’s top scorer came off with an injury, replaced by Simon Heslop for his first appearance since January.

It left the visitors with Johnson and Morgan playing as an unlikely front two for the closing stages.

Heslop almost made an immediate impact, just failing to contact with a wicked low cross from Whing which Plymouth scrambled to clear.

Williams had another free-kick well saved by Brown three minutes from time, but the home fans were celebrating at the final whistle as results elsewhere ensured their safety.

For United, their play-off fate is no longer in their hands with two games remaining.

Attendance: 8,668 (827 visitors) Oxford Utd: Brown, Whing, Duberry, Wright, Davis, Chapman, Leven, Hall, Montano (Johnson 67), Rendell (Constable 62, Heslop 75), Morgan.

Substitutes: Crocombe, Capaldi.

Comments(37)

mustard red says...
5:12pm Sat 21 Apr 12

After a season of Oxford United fans posting ugly messages on the Swindon Advertiser message board, it is sweet to see Oxford drop out of the play-offs on the day Swindon Town win promotion.

I wish the ugly posters a good summer, and hope they enjoy playing Fleetwood next season.

Bye.

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Chish and Fips says...
5:15pm Sat 21 Apr 12

Come on, it ain't over till the fat lady sings.

We're up - not in a glorious fashion though with recent form - but hey I don't care now.

Keep calm and carry on.

Have a good week you lot.

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the wizard says...
5:33pm Sat 21 Apr 12

Hope you lot can bounce back into the play offs, but thanks for helping Plymouth into safety, too big a club to go down.
We did it today, but not the way we wanted but there you go, its life and it happens.

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foxvox says...
6:14pm Sat 21 Apr 12

3 points out of 15 and sadly my prediction of 4 points from the last 5 games looks as if it might happen - draw at home next week and lose the last game away. So stupid when 15 out of 15 was possible. With what we've got we'd be slaughtered in League 1 anyway. I hope I'm wrong.

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adlibber says...
6:39pm Sat 21 Apr 12

Wilder out - no wins in 5 and 5 out of bottom 7 teams taken points from us we don't deserve a play off spot we've been too ordinary for too long. wilder has run out of ideas. Constable should go. Congrats to Swindon can't argue with your promotion shown consistency all season.

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the wizard says...
6:50pm Sat 21 Apr 12

Why did Wilder let Midson go, he seems to have been far better than Constable, who is too inconsistant.

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Joe1 says...
7:16pm Sat 21 Apr 12

Oh dear Oh dear. We just can't finish teams off.
It seems a while since one our forwards score d a goal. We just seem to lack that killer instinct. We should do a lot better against these lower teams. Still, two games to go you never know miracles might happen we might even win them both!!!!!

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tws says...
7:21pm Sat 21 Apr 12

As said congrats to Swindon, good side who deservedly win promo but why do the Scum fans post on here? You have a Fascist as a manager but thats ok is it, now politely GO AWAY?
Please bring back JP for last two games & playoffs are possible, swallow pride get behind CW & the boys, another world IS possible!!!
PS; At the start of the season I'd of taken 2 wins over the Scum, job DONE???

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tws says...
7:21pm Sat 21 Apr 12

As said congrats to Swindon, good side who deservedly win promo but why do the Scum fans post on here? You have a Fascist as a manager but thats ok is it, now politely GO AWAY?
Please bring back JP for last two games & playoffs are possible, swallow pride get behind CW & the boys, another world IS possible!!!
PS; At the start of the season I'd of taken 2 wins over the Scum, job DONE???

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Inkpot says...
7:21pm Sat 21 Apr 12

Agree with you adlibber, just not good enough. Wilder hasn't got a clue about what makes a good forward. This is the single reason we have failed, not a decent player up front till Rendell arrived.
Constable now couldn't hit a pigs a**e with a banjo and needs to go in the summer!!!
Likewise most of our forwards except perhaps Craddock who is blameless for this season.
Not sure though if getting rid of Wilder is the answer.

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bigchet says...
7:28pm Sat 21 Apr 12

once again our total lack of professionalism in conceding in the opening minutes meant that we were chasing the game from then on ,why dont we seem to learn from previous errors and continue to start on the back foot. im sorry but this has to reflect badly on the coaching staff as we seem to make a habit of it. playoffs are still possible but improbable as we will be relying on other results to let us back in.

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oldun says...
7:31pm Sat 21 Apr 12

11 years since we played in the third tier - amazing for a club of United's size. I never thought when we moved grounds that it would take anything like as long for us to return at least to that level - and nor did you. There are few clubs (about six) in that League One which are bigger than United - many in there are relative 'minnows' who would be delighted to average 5000. In League Two, all of these clubs have been in the Division above in the last 5 years - Dagenham, Hereford, Rovers, Argyle, Swindon, Vale, Rotherham, Bradford, Northampton, Gillingham, Cheltenham, Crewe and Southend - over half of the division - in the past 5 years - yet we have been out of it for 11. Win the next two matches which should see us in the play offs which we must then win to end this long long spell in the lower reaches - it is the least that a club of United's size should settle for - isn't it!!

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Chish and Fips says...
7:33pm Sat 21 Apr 12

tws wrote:
As said congrats to Swindon, good side who deservedly win promo but why do the Scum fans post on here? You have a Fascist as a manager but thats ok is it, now politely GO AWAY?
Please bring back JP for last two games & playoffs are possible, swallow pride get behind CW & the boys, another world IS possible!!!
PS; At the start of the season I'd of taken 2 wins over the Scum, job DONE???
Thanks for the compliments TWS.

What's the problem with us posting on here - what are you scared of or rather embarrassed about. Providing the posts are not abusive or stupid name calling can't see a problem.

There's still a chance you lot could make the play-offs but taking your frustration out on us ain't going to change much.

Good luck, hope you can make it.

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oldun says...
7:36pm Sat 21 Apr 12

Congratulations to Swindon - well deserving the promotion. Far too big a club for the fourth tier

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northampton yellow says...
7:53pm Sat 21 Apr 12

yeah agree with most comments why we got a front line coz there no good just seem to have a backwards line no win in 5 "rubbish" got to have a clear- out in summer get rid of all the dead wood and hopefully might spend a few quid lets face it it is needed .

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Chish and Fips says...
7:56pm Sat 21 Apr 12

oldun wrote:
Congratulations to Swindon - well deserving the promotion. Far too big a club for the fourth tier
Cheers Oldun - good luck.

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Whitstablexile says...
8:07pm Sat 21 Apr 12

Fair play to Swindon and PDC, the points total and GD column don't lie.

Our season is ending exactly as it deserves to. Wilder will get another season, I think he'll need to take us up next year.

Thanks for the double bragging rights my little red robins, those were games that will live long in the memory. :-) good luck for next year.

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Chish and Fips says...
8:17pm Sat 21 Apr 12

Whitstablexile wrote:
Fair play to Swindon and PDC, the points total and GD column don't lie.

Our season is ending exactly as it deserves to. Wilder will get another season, I think he'll need to take us up next year.

Thanks for the double bragging rights my little red robins, those were games that will live long in the memory. :-) good luck for next year.
Aye, they do put a bit of a blot on the season for us Whit - but hey - think both games seem to make us improve afterwards and look what's happened now.

Same good luck to yourself. You never know - we may even be in the same league next season if things go well for you lot.

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the wizard says...
8:48pm Sat 21 Apr 12

Old'un,

Would like to see you make the play off's. Your words above are very telling over the state of the game and the status of clubs. There are many who are punching well on gates less than yours, but I think Kassam is probably charging top dollar rent which must be a major draw back. Despite all the banter I hope you guys get a decent finish to the season. The local games are good for all the clubs, banter, rivalry, and gate receipts as well, it all helps. While you guys may have your problems, well you are not alone, and we have had plenty to endure over this week and then again, all of last season. It happens, and as supporters, we all have to tolerate it, as there is not much else we can do. Good luck for the next two games, and hope they bring something positive.

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oldun says...
8:54pm Sat 21 Apr 12

Lots , lots (and lots) of very small clubs have done much better than us over the past 11 years. The least a club of Oxford's size should be satisfied with is about 6th or seventh in the third flight - we are about 25 places below what should be a satisfactory placing for the Board. We have been bettered by so many little clubs for nearly a dozen years - not just a one off

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disco80 says...
9:59pm Sat 21 Apr 12

Whats all this crap that we are a big club? why because we have good support ?? stupid comments!! We need to take a gamble next year spend some money on players and really go for promotion!!! I think we need a change of manager but dont know who could replace him? Any ideas? Our formation is poor we never have width why cant we play 3-5-2 and allow batt and davies to push on, we need more energy and urgency . What is the idea of that crap warm up seconds before k.o?

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Ab Boy says...
1:16am Sun 22 Apr 12

Well done Swindon, which ever way you look at it, the team with the most wins and points pick up the trophy and thats them so hey ho!!!

Good luck to them next season!!

Even in the play-offs are we good enough to beat any of the other teams over two legs???

Not taking Mick but how the hell do we beat The Champs twice but drop stupid points against rubbish!!

Something not right somewere??

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Whitstablexile says...
8:42am Sun 22 Apr 12

Chish and Fips wrote:
Whitstablexile wrote:
Fair play to Swindon and PDC, the points total and GD column don't lie.

Our season is ending exactly as it deserves to. Wilder will get another season, I think he'll need to take us up next year.

Thanks for the double bragging rights my little red robins, those were games that will live long in the memory. :-) good luck for next year.
Aye, they do put a bit of a blot on the season for us Whit - but hey - think both games seem to make us improve afterwards and look what's happened now.

Same good luck to yourself. You never know - we may even be in the same league next season if things go well for you lot.
It's been a weird run in for the reds. Running away with the league, then losing against us and then again in the JP final and kind of limping over the line. I suspect that you'd have hoped for a little more? Not sour grapes, honest - a promotion is a promotion.

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CamView says...
9:38am Sun 22 Apr 12

I hope wilder has a long hard think about why the strikers are not scoring. It has got to be what is happening in the last third of the pitch. We have played good football but on occasions we have not put in a decent shot (Hall excepted). Rendell and Smalley both scored at their last clubs. Green has 28 goals this season at Mansfield and Midson has 18 at Wimbledon both not considered good enough for Oxford. Pittman is left out having scored three goals in his five starts compared to Rendell's 3 in 14 starts. There is something fundamentally wrong in Wilder's thinking and his support for some players and not others. His approach, I would suggest, is not based supporting the strikers strengths, as is the case at at Wimbledon and Mansfield nor is his selection based on merit. Unless this is sorted out we will be in the same position next season. Sacking all our strikers and getting another lot in is not the answer - the fact is we have good strikers we just have not got what it takes to help them perform. This is down to coaching, having the right approach and playing to a players strengths - not sticking to a game plan stubbornly that has failed week after week.
Just look back at our promotion season where Green just like Pitman was not given the time of day - he did come back in time to score some important goals in the play offs and in the final. So its not just a one off lack ofjudgmentt.

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oldun says...
10:02am Sun 22 Apr 12

Steady on - of course we are a very very big club relative to nearly all in our division and to many in the division above. No excuses - we are far too big for any more years playing 'big village' clubs

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Chish and Fips says...
10:14am Sun 22 Apr 12

Whitstablexile wrote:
Chish and Fips wrote:
Whitstablexile wrote:
Fair play to Swindon and PDC, the points total and GD column don't lie.

Our season is ending exactly as it deserves to. Wilder will get another season, I think he'll need to take us up next year.

Thanks for the double bragging rights my little red robins, those were games that will live long in the memory. :-) good luck for next year.
Aye, they do put a bit of a blot on the season for us Whit - but hey - think both games seem to make us improve afterwards and look what's happened now.

Same good luck to yourself. You never know - we may even be in the same league next season if things go well for you lot.
It's been a weird run in for the reds. Running away with the league, then losing against us and then again in the JP final and kind of limping over the line. I suspect that you'd have hoped for a little more? Not sour grapes, honest - a promotion is a promotion.
another 'Aye' to that Whit ...a very strange week ..... and a bit of a damp squib to be honest .. and I think after, next weekend or the last game of the season there could be further revelations as I'm of the opinion PDC will leave.

Have a good week you lot.

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sagadude says...
12:16pm Sun 22 Apr 12

I believe if you get in the play-offs, you have a very strong chance of winning and go up.

Unfortunately for you, I think Crewe will keep you out, as they are looking good at the right time.

We whimpered over the finish line yesterday at Gills due to our players mistermeaners, and PDC was right in dropping the offenders. As at Crawley, Chelsea and other clubs the players think they are bigger than the club, the fans and the manager and try to get the boss to lose the dressing room.

OUFC and a majority of their fans are so obsessed with hating STFC that it has rubbed off on some of your players and a certain member of our squad (enough said). Take for instance Constable, only turns up against Swindon, and along with your huge vocal support only turn up at Swindon.

More than ever than now, you need to get behind your team like you did against as over the two matches you beat us.

So good luck Whit and the rest of you, as I personally would like us to get revenge and beat you next season.

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bigchet says...
12:41pm Sun 22 Apr 12

am a cw fan but cannot agree that we played that well at plymouth ,we had the lions share of possession but created very little and their keeper had had hardly any meaningful saves to make, unfortunately leven is not the influence that he was, perhaps down to the longstanding shoulder injury and that has proved crucial. crewe are facing two tough final games so we need to go flat out for max points and hope they slip up.

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oldun says...
1:06pm Sun 22 Apr 12

Fourteen points or so. Yes, I know that we are depending on Crewe not winning both games or a Cheltenham collapse. Fingers crossed that we manage to go up. If we don't go up then in order to make sure that we avoid the lottery of the play ofs (or worse) we will need to get about 14 points more next season.

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Henryb says...
5:13pm Sun 22 Apr 12

Oxford took the wrong road years ago when they sold out to Kassam for £1.

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New Manor rename says...
7:06pm Sun 22 Apr 12

The players are good enough for promotion (well most). Our problem remains the same as it has all season.. mental. Why does Wilder always say 'This is going to be a tough game' etc etc. The players are always set for a tough battle which is why most of our games are so tight. If the manager can't boost the players he is failing at the basics. Stop blowing sunshine up the backsides of mediocre clubs and get the players believing in themselves and the likely successful outcomes that follow as a result! And it ain't too late for this season either. Get on with it Wilder. Stop being negative because it just isn't helping!

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Simon84 says...
8:08pm Sun 22 Apr 12

disco80 wrote:
Whats all this crap that we are a big club? why because we have good support ?? stupid comments!! We need to take a gamble next year spend some money on players and really go for promotion!!! I think we need a change of manager but dont know who could replace him? Any ideas? Our formation is poor we never have width why cant we play 3-5-2 and allow batt and davies to push on, we need more energy and urgency . What is the idea of that crap warm up seconds before k.o?
Spend some money at this level very few clubs actually pay transfer fees its all about your budget for wages. Ian Lenegan said a few weeks week ago that last summer the board increased the budget by a couple of hundred grand so be could push for promotion. It seems to me that Wilder has spent the increase on wages of sub standard and uncommitted loanees.

Other than this season Constable has been our best striker by miles. He was inherited by Wilder. This tells me that Wilder can't pick a good striker. We have 4 coaches all ex players, a former keeper, a former defender and 2 former defensively minded midfielders and our big problem is converting chances is it a coincedence?

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Simon84 says...
8:10pm Sun 22 Apr 12

Henryb wrote:
Oxford took the wrong road years ago when they sold out to Kassam for £1.
Say what you like about Kassam but there was no other takers it was sell to Kassam or go out of business altogether.

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Ab Boy says...
1:33am Mon 23 Apr 12

FAR FAR FAR to many LOAN players!!!

That says it all!!!

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gnash21 says...
8:30am Mon 23 Apr 12

Disappointing on saturday. Should have gone on to win. Lets get behind the team for the final 2 games. I said at the start of the season we would go to Vale Park and win and get in the play offs. My views are still possible. Henry b we did the right thing at the time is selling to Kassam otherwise we wouldn't be here now.

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bigchet says...
9:18am Mon 23 Apr 12

was at town hall meeting when kassam first showed interest in taking over. ok ,he had his own agenda but at that time we were in real danger of going under .he promised much but lack of investment in the playing side led to subsequent relegation , a typical business man he is still doing well out of the clubwith the rental of the stadium and will do for the foreseeable future ,and this is a big drain on the clubs finances and reduces funds for strengthening the team.

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oldun says...
9:36am Mon 23 Apr 12

Yep but we still get players which many other clubs in our division can't afford - and only lose players CW does not want. Two quick central strikers needed - J-P P apply. Big men? How many headed goals (where central defenders are marking tight) do you see at our level . Speed is so important and we need it - partic up front

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