United made it twelve unbeaten and stormed on at the top of the table with a comprehensive win over York this afternoon. Goals from Rob Duffy and Andy Burgess wrapped up a win over the men from Kit Kat Crescent.

United boss Jim Smith made three changes to the side that beat Stafford last Saturday.Back into the starting eleven came skipper Phil Gilchrist and Andy Burgess after recovering from injury and illness respectively with Matt Day and John Dempster dropping to the bench..There was also a change in midfield where Eddie Hutchinson was preferred to Chris Hargreaves.

Even before the kick-off, with another large crowd packed into the stadium and the pitch quickened up by the early morning rain, the game had the makings of an absolute stormer and the home team didn't disappoint as after dominating the first quarter of the match, they took the lead with a fantastic goal in the 14^th minute.

The ball was zipped into the feet of Burgess, who flicked the ball first time over the York defence into the path of Carl Pettefer on the right.The diminutive midfielder showed great upper body strength to hold off Anthony Lloyd and then rolled the ball across the box for Rob Duffy to blast home from six yards.

It was a great start for United, but it could have got even better five minutes later when more good work from Burgess freed Eddie Anaclet to run in unchallenged on Tom Evans, but instead of hitting the ball first time Anaclet miss-controlled the ball and the chance was gone.

York were battling well, but seemed to be intent on trying to outplay Oxford.Because of this, United and Burgess in particular, were finding time and space to play.And one thing that has been proved this season is if you give Burgess time on the ball, he has the ability to cause you problems.

York also have a player in that category in Clayton Donaldson, and in the 38^th minute he missed the away sides best chance of equalizing.The Oxford defence cleared their lines, but the ball was fired back at pace, where Craig Farrell's neat flick found Donaldson.But with only Turley to beat, the big striker hit his shot straight at the United keeper.

The chance seemed to fire up the visitors as for the first time in the match they were pushing Oxford back, but were failing to create any clear chances.In fact, that honour fell to Hutchinson when he headed over from a good Burgess cross in injury time in the last action of the half.

The second half saw Basham fire over and then hit the outside of the post with efforts inside the first five minutes, but also saw Turley make two excellent saves. The first came as Willmott's back header dropped short and Turley had to parry Donaldson's flick and the second came as Bowey's far post header was arrowing into the corner of the net until the United keeper managed to divert it for a corner.

It was a good open game and you could see exactly why the teams were first and third before kick off. With a rainbow arcing above the North Stand York gave battle in vain as the back three of Gilchrist ,Quinn and Willmott were their usual obstinate selves and with Burgess behaving like an under 15 in an under nines game at times there was much to enjoy about the game.

Rufus Brevett on the left is always a threat with some superb crossing and on the hour his wonderful cross was well met by Duffy but his header flew inches over the bar.York had battled well, but a second goal was on the cards and on 67 minutes United had that mythical fat lady warming up her voice with a second.

Brevett played the ball forwards, Basham battled , despite being fouled, and ten had the presence of mind to slip the ball to his right when confronted with the last defender. Burgess, given the freedom of the pitch opted for a low shot with his right foot, and keeper Evans had no chance of preventing Burgess's third goal of the season.

The game was just about over from that point, with Yokr unable to find a way past the brilliantly organised United midfield and defence.

United have been picking up wins without playing that well, but today had the performance to match the result. They march on at the top and face Southport at home on Tuesday. Book your place immediately.

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Report Julian Hitchman, Chris Williams. Pictures Steve Daniels