What a cracking result!!

"Part-timers hold league opposition" is a headline that is always in the papers at this time of year during the FA Cup, but not many people would have thought that this would apply to Oxford City when they were drawn to play against Wycombe Wanderers of the Nationwide League Division One.

However, after an heroic effort by the City lads, a replay was thoroughly earned during Saturday's first round tie at Adam's Park, home of Wycombe FC.

City went behind in the 67th minute to a close range effort following a cross from the right, but with time running out, a Matty Whitehead corner was glanced home by Richard Peirson in the 87th minute to send the travelling supporters wild, and the home supporters into stunned silence.

Few who watched the game would say that City didn't deserve the draw, some might claim that a win would have been justified, but a draw was a fair reflection of a close and entertaining game.

The replay is scheduled for Tuesday 9 November, at Adam's Park, due to Court Farm Place not being adequate and The Manor (Oxford Utd) not being a viable option.

However, the lads will have few complaints as the atmosphere on Saturday was electric and one that most, if not all who were involved will never forget. So the opportunity to return in eight days time is not an unpleasant prospect.

Financial reward

The tie/result has created interest locally in Oxford and obviously at the club as well. Not surprising really when it is expected that from this one game Oxford City FC will reap about £20,000 from their half of the gates receipts.

Are you coming or not?

News and details of the replay will be available when they are confirmed. An unconfirmed rumour is that Sky TV will be interested, but then other ties might create more interest - it remains to be confirmed.

Wycombe's average home gates are currently 5,500 which is the attendance that was expected for Saturday's game, unfortunately, the "official" figure was 3,000. Was there really that few watching?

Confident or apprehensive?

The quiet confidence that the players and management felt, but didn't publically express, seems to be well justified with this result.

The first half was very much City's with good quality passing and possession which was lacking from the Wycombe side. The second -half was very much Wycombe's though, and especially in the closing stages where many City players were "dead on the feet".

Hopefully, in the replay, having had the experience of this Saturday, the players will be able to last for longer - remember extra time and penalties might be necessary!

Unthinkable?

What will happen if City manage the unthinkable and beat Wycombe?

The the winners have a home tie against Wigan Athletic from the same division. It is an added incentive, if one was really required, to beat Wycombe as the prospect of another pro club is much more alluring than a non-league side - but one step at a time!

Press Coverage

Keep looking in the Oxford Mail, it's a fair bet that FA Cup fever is going to take control over the next few days in the build up to this second Wycombe game.

Monday's Oxford Mail was great coverage, text from the paper will appear in FA Cup Index, but the photos are worth checking out in the newspaper.

U's More than Welcome

Calling all you U's fans who stayed at The Manor to watch Morecambe. Hope that you will join us on our short trip along the A40 on Tuesday - come on, check us out!

All Quiet on the Homefront

Not much else has been happening within the club lately, all attention seems to be focussed firmly on this "glamour" FA Cup tie with Wycombe.

Updates have just been made to the player profiles page,

below is an example of one of the unfortunate photos that were used, if you have any more hideous ones of players, let me know!

Youngsters Welcome

Half term is upon us and the Junior Development Officer, Jason Carbon, is well pleased with the response for the latest initiative that has been organised at the club.

Details of the half-term course which is currently in progress are available by clicking here, it is too late now, but check out his page often for updates of future courses at the ground.

New look Web-Site

What do you think to the new layout? Is it more professional in its appearance? Is it full of content that you want? Does it download quicker now?

If you want the old format back, please let me know. I need your comments.

E-Mail the editor by clicking on this line.

Reserves Help Needed

The reserves have not had a presence for some time on this web-site, which has now been rectified, however, information is a bit sparse, so any that can be provided will obviously be of great help, send all you can through to me.