Wahey, back to the Kassam after far too long. For shame, this was our first game this season but I'm glad we at least got back for one game, with a hopeful look towards Wycombe next week.
We thought we'd give the Oxford Mail stand a go once more and we sat over to one side, hoping to avoid the majority of the abuse hurled at the poor bloody ref. And true to form this one got it in the neck for Morecambe equalising in the final seconds, even though Oxford have to recognise that it was our failure to close off the game with a second goal which allowed them back, not the slightly rotund bloke in red whose parentage I am not going to guess at.
I was astonished to hear some cries of 'Wilder out' as we left the stand. Good thought, everyone. Let's go down the cul-de-sac adopted by Premiership sides chasing elusive glory instead of focusing on what Oxford are and what they can reasonably achieve with a manager who has served us admirably for years.
If Oxford had played badly it would have been valid, even if misguided. But they hadn't. This team was by far the best I have seen in my few years of intermittent attendance. Damian Batt was a constant, tireless inspiration and Alfie Potter remains one of the best I've ever seen, mixing it, making chances, harrying players with the ball and, of course, scoring an excellent goal. I didn't spot a single 'passenger' on the pitch and it was a proper team effort. 'Wilder out'? Get real.
Morecambe deserve credit for holding on despite a commanding Oxford performance and for taking their chance when they could. We should have won and the fact that we didn't is no one's fault but Oxford's, despite the good performances all round.
Our seats were quite good, although I miss our old place on the side as I find it better to keep up with goals at both ends, offsides and action across the whole pitch. We weren't allowed to be bored as we had two fascinating people behind us -we decided to name them 'Anorak' and 'Cagoule' as they regaled us with countless comments. Anorak spent the first 15 minutes commending Alfie Potter, although he didn't once spot the magnificent player, instead calling pretty much the whole team Alfie Potter at one point or other.
He eventually gave up on that tack but luckily we weren't to be bored as he and his chum discussed Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, driving, their respective jobs, household bills, people they know, fly fishing, coarse fishing, Uncle Tom Cobbley and all. They ranged around more topics in the 90 minutes than the average Radio 4 talk show. Women's Hour, step aside for Oxford Bores' Hour.
The good thing is that the human brain is resolute and manages to tune out chaff like this but we did occasionally pick up some new and utterly useless detail. Still, Anorak and Cagoule didn't spoil the game and it was a good afternoon, with even the sun putting in an appearance. Having to shield my eyes at the Kassam was a new and interesting experience.
Great game, two good teams, excellent performance by the Yellows, shame about the result. Can't wait to go back!
NB: I forgot to mention the smug Morecambe fan who 'congratulated' us on getting one point as we headed for the bar. I said they deserved to draw having taken their chance and he retorted that they had been 'shit'. I suppose that qualifies as banter but it wasn't up to much.
