Varsity victory beckons
THE BLUES FOOTBALL team's long-awaited varsity match against Cambridge has now been confirmed for Friday of 2nd Week (4th May), at Oxford United's Manor Ground (ko 7.45pm). Tickets are priced at £7.
After the frustration of the postponed fixture at Fulham's Craven Cottage, captain Steve Rishworth is relishing the prospect of taking on the Cambridge challenge.
The former Manchester City youth and Wrexham player has stressed the 'experience' of the majority of his side, having spent two BUSA campaigns together, with this year's resulting in an admirable last sixteen placing.
However, Rishworth admits Cambridge are something of an unknown quantity. 'We've had them watched once, but they don't play in BUSA, and consequently we have no real gauge of how good they are. Although they are unbeaten this season, they really don't play the same calibre of opposition as us.'
Premiership referee Graham Barber is likely to officiate, and having presided over clashes such as Leeds and Liverpool's home fixtures against Manchester United as well as Barcelona's home tie against Celta Vigo in the UEFA Cup Quarter Final this year, could well be the perfect man for what Rishworth expects to be an extremely 'nervous but competitive' affair.
Players to watch for Oxford are the Blues' goal-scoring record holder Deji Davies upfront, alongside Rishworth, who has also played for both the British and English University sides.
One exciting newcomer to the squad this year has been centre-half Mike Adamson, who spent part of last summer playing for Glasgow Celtic's reserves with such luminaries as Henrik Larsson. Hopes are high in the Oxford camp of victory, and it would be fantastic to see a good Oxford crowd cheering the side on a week on Friday.
To get to the Manor Ground, take either the 2A, 2B, 2C, 7A or 22 buses from the High Street by Queen's and ask for a return to Headington (£1.40). The stop nearest to the Manor is the second following the ascent of Headington Hill. The ground lies on the left-hand side of the road just beyond the bus-stop (though the famous Oxford United gates).
Meanwhile, the Varsity Gaelic Football match will take place this Saturday (April 28th) at Horspath Sports Ground, Horspath village, Oxford (kick-off 3.00pm). With the Varsity Gaelic Cup at stake, it is sure to be a keenly fought affair. Directions to the sports ground are as follows: take the 103 bus from St. Aldates and get off at the Stagecoach garages in Horspath village. The bus leaves at 1.40pm and 2.40pm on Saturday afternoon.
Tickets for Oxford United's historic final match at the Manor Ground are also now on general sale. The club have been at the ground since 1925, and the occasion provides an opportunity to forget the side's dismal league campaign.
The match against Port Vale takes place next Tuesday evening, kick-off 7.45pm. To purchase tickets, from £12.50 (standing), either visit the ticket office at the Manor Ground direct, or phone (01865) 761503.
3rd May 2001