For United, defender Darren Kelly came back after suspension to re-take his place in the centre of defence. As expected Richie Foran was brought back into the starting eleven after being controversially left on the bench against Cambridge. 366 fans from Carlisle took their places for a game played in much more inclement weather than has been the case in recent weeks. Almost straight from the kick-off United carved out a chance as Craig Farrell fired wide after a good cross from Foran. Oxford's first serious assault came on 8 minutes when the tall Jefferson Louis put in a dangerous cross that was turned aside for a corner. Mark Summerbell then tackled Dave Savage to concede another corner after 13 minutes. Adam Rundle had a shot deflected for another corner at the Oxford end. Farrell went on a dash after 17 minutes and the Bulls' Matt Robinson went into the book for a trip. This brought Carlisle a free kick 20 yards out. Peter Murphy's kick hit the wall. Green then worked a good opening for Farrell who shot first time but brought a save out of keeper Woodman. Seconds later Richie Foran curled a left foot shot that beat the keeper and hit the bar. Rundle followed up but saw his shot deflected away for yet another corner kick. Foran beat the offside trap and raced away to put in a cross that Farrell failed to reach as he appealed for a penalty. McCarthy put in a cross that reached Rundle's head but his effort lacked power and Woodman collected with ease. Ian Atkins was Mr Angry by this stage and hauled off Louis to allow Paul Powell to get into the action on 30 minutes. The change was forced on the home boss by a spell of United pressure and unrest amongst the Kassam Stadium faithful. The Cumbrians continued to call the shots with long spells of possession. From another corner Paul Raven was inches away from converting an easy chance but the ball spun away. Seconds later McCarthy missed the chance of the night when he was put straight through by Foran and Woodman made a great save coming off his line. McCarthy then got into an argument when the ball went out for a goal kick and was booked for dissent. Oxford managed a rare spell of pressure near the interval as United lost their shape a little and began to give the ball away a bit too often. However they walked off at the half-time whistle much the happier of the two sides after a half they had dominated without managing to score. United continued where they let off when McCarthy found Rundle well with the young winger feeding Green who slipped the ball just the wrong side of the post. Matty Glennon had to be alert two minutes later when he raced out to clear from in front of Andy Scott. Summerbell made a great tackle to deny Oxford as the home side began to get into their stride. United made a good opening on 58 minutes when Green was played in but he delayed a little too long and Woodman came out to block. The Bulls applied a bit of pressure and forced another corner on 64 minutes. A header from Savage came in but flew well wide. The Atkins ploy of long balls and long throw-ins aided by a wind in the home side's favour was starting to pay dividends. McNiven's long throw found Scott who flashed a shot over the top from six yards out. The rain too was now becoming a factor. A scuffed shot was collected by Glennon as the rain began to come down in bucketloads. The elements were favouring the home team and their more direct style. United began to concede dangerous free kicks. McNiven collected a yellow for Oxford. Another opportunity came for the home side on 77 minutes with Raven fouling 25 yards out. Dominic Foley hit it well and Glennon saved. But Kelly was booked for encroachment. The referee walked it forward to the edge of the area. The ball was driven by Robinson but struck the wall. Oxford went very close with 5 minutes left when McNiven volleyed over. Andy Crosby was booked for a blatant pull on Farrell. Matty Omoyinmi came on and immediately gave Carlisle problems. It was the same substitute who had turned the same fixture last season when United had to settle for a 1-1 draw after being a goal up. United conceded another free kick and it was marched forward again. McNiven's kick was well over the wall and the bar with one minute of normal time left. Savage then drove over as the game went into stoppage time. The final whistle brought relief for the visitors after a difficult final 20 minutes. Al's verdict: The old adage 'a game of two halves' never held truer. After a dominant first half showing, which could and should have brought at least a two-goal advantage, we were left to hang on for a valuable point in difficult and very testing conditions. Those conditions suited the direct Ian Atkins approach but another away clean sheet is testament to our vastly improved defence. However the missed chances in the first half may yet prove to be crucial. Just one goal in 3 games is a poor return at this stage of the season when we are in desperate need of wins. The result also means we could go to Cardiff still in the bottom two. However there was enough evidence of our excellent passing game and with the sort of players we have at the club, I still believe we'll stay up and hopefully prosper next season. |
