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INTRODUCTION

Oxford have just started their sixth season back in the Football League after suffering relegation to the Conference in 2006.

They spent four seasons in non-League before returning to League Two by beating York in the 2010 play-off final at Wembley.

The U’s have not really mounted a concerted promotion challenge since then – although they have finished eighth once and ninth twice.

It seems a long way away from their days in the top flight (old First Division) in the 1980s.

Playing at their previous home of the Manor Ground, Oxford enjoyed three seasons among the elite – and during that time also won the Milk Cup (League Cup) final by beating QPR 3-0 in the 1986 final.

Since returning to the League they have not made much progress in this competition – with three second round appearances the best they have done.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

This is our first meeting with Oxford since their Football League return and the second time we have played them in the League Cup.

The other time was in the two-legged first round in the 1981/82 campaign and United went through 3-0 on aggregate – following a 1-0 Manor Ground victory with a 2-0 triumph in TW8.

We have also played them in the other two cup competitions.

They were a non-League club when we knocked them out 3-0 in the first round of the FA Cup in 1961/62 but they gained revenge two seasons later when they beat us 2-1 in a fourth round replay after a 2-2 draw at the Manor.

Our last meeting was in the LDV Vans Trophy first round in 2005/2006 – and once again Oxford triumphed at Griffin Park, this time winning 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

IN CHARGE

Michael Appleton has just started his second season as Oxford manager after replacing Gary Waddock last summer.

Appleton had to retire as a player at the age of 27 in 2003 because of a knee injury.

He was at West Brom at the time, having also played for Manchester United and Preston, and started a coaching career at The Hawthorns.

After eight years, during which he had a spell as caretaker manager, Appleton landed his first managerial job at Portsmouth in November 2011.

A year later he took over at Blackpool but in January 2013 he was on the move once more to Blackburn, where he was only in charge for 67 days.

On the eve of this season, Appleton revealed he had the size of the pitch at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium reduced to help his players.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33820045

He told BBC Oxford: “It was the size of Wembley. I know that because I went on the pitch and measured it myself.

“We haven’t reduced it drastically but we were a little concerned about the size of it last year and even if it’s not a massive difference, psychologically the players know there are no excuses now.”

IAN WESTBROOK

@ianwestbrook

 

Drinking in Brentford

For Oxford fans coming to the game, you are probably aware there plenty of pub options pre-match and all are most welcoming. Colours are fine and there is no ‘bouncer culture’ on the doors of our boozers – not yet anyway. All fans are welcome and most fans usually cite Brentford as their favourite away-day which we’re quite proud of.

As is etched in common folklore , there were four pubs around the ground until fairly recently – unfortunately one closed down to leave only three now. The Griffin is closest to the away end (like 30 secs walk) and is very popular with away fans – but also very very busy. The New Inn is on the other side is also popular with away fans. The Princess Royal is the other option (The Royal Oak was the one that closed down).

Other pubs slightly further afield for the more creative amongst you include (and this is by no means a definitive list) the  … The Globe (Windmill Rd) is the Beesotted fanzine main pub – a very friendly pub indeed. The other boozer is The Lord Nelson (Enfield Rd)  – both incredibly friendly and cozy away-frienly pubs and 30 seconds walk from each other .. frequented by ‘away fans in the know’. Boro fans and Bees fans had one hell of a party before our league match in January in both these boozers (despite us losing)- and The Plough (Northfields Ave – 1 minute walk from the tube) in Northfields is a decent stop-off if you are coming by tube to Northfields before making your way down to the ground (normally stopping off at The Globe and Lord Nelson en route on the Northfields pub crawl).

Easily the best way to Brentford for Oxford fans is to go from Paddington to Ealing Broadway and then get the 65 bus to the ground – or get the E2 or E3 to Northfields, which is preferred by fans in the know as it has a decent pub crawl run on the way to the ground (Plough, Lord Nelson, Globe). South Ealing, on the 65 route, has one posh pub en route that doesn’t really like football fans so we won’t even give it a mention here. It’s 20 mins walk from either South Ealing OR Northfields to the ground or you can get the E2 bus from Northfields or 65 bus from South Ealing for the short 5 minute journey.

For ale head to the Magpie and Crown pub on Brentford High Street. The Royal Horseguardsman can probably hold 15 of you at a push. The Brewery Tap is a cosy boozer by the river. And if you are super adventurous, get off at Kew Bridge and visit the brand new boozer One Over the Ait right on the river – beside the bridge. Great views over The Thames. It’s around 15 mins walk to the ground from here.

There are loads more too. A quick Google search and you’ll find them all. There are many many more too if you have a look around.

Parking is pretty easy away from the ground going up towards and over the A4 Great West Rd (ie. North) via Ealing Rd or Windmill Rd.