Oxford United 5-1 Farsley Celtic

By James Grayson

Celtic were well beaten by Oxford but the game will be remembered for controversial moments involving the referee, yet again!

John Deacey’s side have been stricken by injuries and as a result changes had to be made. Due injuries to Mark Jackson and Amjad Iqbal, Steve Torpey had to fill in a centre half.

Celtic got off to a diastratious start when Oxford took the lead on three minutes.. After a good move instigated by Andy Watson, an Oxford defender pumped the ball down the field. Georges Santos failed to win it on the halfway line and Yemi ODUBADE took advantage by beating Torpey and then racing in goal before burying it past Curtis Aspden.

Celtic were behind but they didn’t let their heads drop, Watson created a good opportunity on seven minutes. Rory Prendergast played a cross-field ball to him and he cut inside before shooting well over from 18 yards..

Oxford were becoming more dominant and on 21 minutes, they were awarded a dangerous free kick just outside the area. Phil Trainer stepped up and his powerful effort was only denied by the crossbar.

Celtic should have been two down on 26 minutes when Aspden was forced to come out of his goal. Aspden ran as far as the corner flag before Eddie Anaclet crossed into the box. He looked set to be two but Craig McAllister unbelievably headed against the post, keeping Celtic in the game.

Odubade was causing chaos for the Celtic defence and he nearly scored again on 33 minutes. Odubade got the better of Santos and was through on goal. But Aspden did enough to narrow the angle for the speedy striker and his lob went just wide.

The goal that looked to kill off Celtic came on 39 minutes. Torpey had fouled Odubade just outside the area. TRAINER took the free kick and curled it round the wall and Aspden and into the back of the net.

HT 2-0

One change was made at half-time and Simeon Bambrook who came on – scored with his first touch of the ball. Celtic won a free kick just outside the area and BAMBROOK struck it powerfully enough to beat the keeper to get Celtic back in the game.

Despite getting back in the game, Oxford were handed the chance to more-or-less seal the win three minutes later. Odubade got in behind Knowles; the makeshift defender recovered and held off the striker allowing Aspden to collect the ball. But thanks to Odubade leaping onto the floor, the referee gave a penalty and dismissed Knowles. Adam Murray struck the penalty hard but Aspden made a terrific save to deny him and keep Celtic in the game.

Celtic’s Watson nearly equalised on 70 minutes. The winger went on a good run through the midfield before powerfully shooting from 30 yards, the keeper was beaten but the ball went just wide. Despite a resilient comeback, Oxford got a third goal moments later. Michael Howard crossed into the box and Matt GREEN converted the ball at the back post.

Celtic were still in the game and 80 minutes they have been awarded a penalty. Bambrook was clearly pushed over in the box but amazingly nothing was awarded. The referee allowed play to go on and 20 seconds later, he awarded a penalty to Oxford. Odubade clearly dived to win the penalty. Santos, Dominic Krief and Bambrook were all booked in the aftermath. This time MURRAY made no mistake.

Oxford made it five in injury time when GREEN rounded Aspden before smashing home.

FT 5-1

Oxford Utd: Turley, Day, Quinn, Foster, Howard, Anaclet, Murray, Hutchinson, Trainer (Rose 66), Odubade (Richards 88), McAllister (Green 59).

Subs Not Used: Hand, Clarke.

Farsley Celtic: Aspden, Downes, Scott McNiven, Santos, Watson (Heath 83), Reeves (Tuck 75), Knowles, Krief, Prendergast, David McNiven, Torpey (Bambrook 46)..

Subs Not Used: Backhouse, Stamer.

Attendance: 4,266

Referee: I Cooper (Kent)