Tuesday, January 09, 2007

FA TROPHY OXFORD UNITED- LEWES




Oxford are the giants of non league football and attracted over 17,000 supporters to the Kassam Stadium, for two Christmas fixtures.

The part timers of Lewes are already over achieving with their place in the Conference South and are lucky to get 500 men and a dog, to their Dripping Pan (I kid you not) ground.

Neither are in the best of shape, the visitors are without a win in 5 and United, who were seemingly coasting back to the Football League, have not won in 7 starts and now trail leaders Dagenham and Redbridge, by 3 points.

The U's are probably not overly interested in this competition, but are desperate for a win of any sort and serious questions will be asked if they do not get it tonight. They will shuffle the squad a little, but everyone coming in will be hungry to earn a regular starting position.

Lewes have big problems, they are without several players and may be forced to start with an outfield player in goal. West Ham recalled loanee David Blackmore last week, Aaron French has a dislocated shoulder and the only other registered keeper is in the US ! The FA have refused them permission to make an emergency signing.



Therefore, they will either start with French in goal, nursing his injury, or an outfield player between the sticks and from what I can gather, none of them show much talent in this department.

I have to take the superior class and fitness levels of the full timers to win this replay, Lewes had chances to win the first match (0-0), but visibly tired late in the game, it should be a comfortable victory.

5 points Oxford -1 goal asian line 1.80.

Good Luck.

No comments: