THERE was always going to be more emotion attached to this game than normal.

Both Cambridge United and Oxford United were celebrating the return of full crowds for the first time in 17 months, while the hosts were marking their first third-tier match for 19 years after promotion last season.

In that context, the U’s first game of the Sky Bet League One campaign was certainly a banana skin and a 1-1 draw is not a terrible result.

Player ratings: Our thoughts on the Oxford United XI and subs

United have had worse opening days in recent years and the performance was generally satisfying.

As expected, Karl Robinson’s side controlled possession and deservedly led at the break through Steve Seddon’s debut goal.

The celebrations from the 1,428 U’s fans following the left back’s 42nd-minute strike felt like the moment football as we know it returned.

That goal was made on the right flank, with Anthony Forde finding Ryan Williams to cross, and the link-up play between those two and James Henry in the first hour was a real positive.

But as the second half wore on, a failing from last season returned as the U’s passed up opportunities to kill the game.

You would hope that once United get into a rhythm their sharpness in front of goal will return, although only time will tell.

Still, Cambridge had not looked like scoring - thanks in part to assured debuts from Jordan Thorniley and Seddon on the left side of defence.

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But when Mark Sykes tripped Paul Digby in the penalty area with 12 minutes left, Joe Ironside made the most of a rare sight of goal for the hosts.

Opinion was split over whether a draw at Cambridge is a good result, but it is worth looking at yesterday's other League One games.

Ipswich Town, many people's favourites for promotion, needed a last-minute equaliser to draw 2-2 at home to Morecambe - the team with the shortest odds to go down.

Then there was Doncaster Rovers, who have a good squad under Richie Wellens, losing 2-1 to visitors AFC Wimbledon.

The first 90 minutes of the season tell you very little indeed and we will not know this United side’s true level until the transfer window is over, or maybe even ten games into the season.

On balance, though, there were more positives than negatives and at least they are off the mark.