Hurray for nice people! A lady in a nearby village had some tickets she could not use for today's match so she gave them to me for a small donation to her favoured charity. Thanks to Barbara for the chance to go back to the Kassam for the first time this season. She very generously gave me four tickets so I was able to invite a friend and, together with my son, we went to the Oxford Mail stand for the first time. That was an education...
The stand certainly has atmosphere and the chanting was great, even if I did have to threaten my son with physical violence if he dared to repeat some of things which were being said to the referee. Unfortunately we also had the stand-in manager sitting behind us. He was very energetic and vocal in the support and advice he offered the team. I'm sure they welcomed his regular input as he screamed at the players for 90 minutes. Super duper.
There was also unfortunately a bit of aggro as some people took out their ire on the referee for what it must be said were some highly questionable decisions. My friend, who is not a Yellows fan, commented on how quickly the stand turned on the team who were woeful in the first half, completely outplayed by a strong, confident passing side in Cheltenham.
The first half was all Cheltenham's and the first goal for them was a sizzler. Ryan Clarke might have had a chance if any of the other ten Oxford players had turned up for the first 45 minutes. Sadly, they were not in evidence. I hope there is a dictionary in the players' area at the Kassam as it might be good for someone to look up 'defence' and see if the idea can be applied to the football field. It's just a thought.
Oxford had one or two chances which were well parried by the rather good England Under 21 goalkeeper playing for Cheltenham but otherwise they were like rabbits in the headlights. There is little more to say about the first half other than that it was one of the most stuttering performances I have seen from Oxford. We waited with dread for the second half.
Perversely, it was the sending off of Davis for Oxford which galvanised them and they response was thrilling, despite a second goal for Cheltenham. Suddenly we had a team. As the substitute manager behind me threatened to give himself a coronary, his endless, tedious shouting seemed to have an effect as attacks went forward and crosses came in. Damian Batt stood out for his effort throughout and we also started to see those Beano charges which bring such results. It wasn't to be today but a goal from Peter Leven raised our spirits.
The final ten minutes were great but another goal for Cheltenham sealed their deserved win. We were left lamenting a loss but welcoming a great second half performance. I hope the replacement manager gives way to Chris Wilder, who at least has something to work with.
My biggest regret was making the foolish decision to wear my Yellows shirt with only another shirt beneath. Half way through the second half my son pointed out that nearly everyone else was warmly wrapped up in coats, hats and scarves. Well, at least I looked the part, even if my teeth were chattering.
I hope we can get back again this year as it was once again a great day out. I didn't know we had cheerleaders! That's a welcome change. With cheerleaders, a decent chippy in the complex and the bar prices remaining low, what's to complain about?!
So thanks once more to Barbara and her family for what was a great day out.
