Oxford United | Match | Match Report | 29 August 2009, AFC Wimbledon 0

United cleaned up at Wimbledon today to make it four wins in a row and stay top of the Blue Square Premier. A Jay Conroy own goal and a penalty save from Ryan Clarke gave The U's a fine win over the fourth placed Wombles and kept United unbeaten.

The previous three wins on the bounce might make some rest on their laurels but merely led to two new faces (Ross Perry and Steven Kinniburgh starting on the bench), two changes on the flanks with Adam Chapman and Marcus Kelly recalled, and a change of shape to allow Adam Murray to fit in behind James Constable.

The shape relied on the ever willing Constable to hold the ball up when possible and to harrass defenders when the home side had possession, something he relishes and did with great energy and diligence. It was that persistence that almost created the first opening for the visitors after eighteen minutes as he musceld his way to the line but saw his cross go behind everyone.

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Wimbledon had seen the impressive Luke Moore smash an earlier effort over the bar from the edge of the area and looked bright in attack as both sides traded blows in the opening half hour. Vital interceptions from Brett Johnson at one end and Damian Batt at the other kept it at 0-0, but after the first few minutes United gradually started to shade possession and play increasingly in their host's half. Chapman saw a header drift wide on 41 as Bulman crossed to the near post but plenty of good intentions couldn't find a goal despite an entertaining first half.

It didn't take long into the second period for the breakthrough. It came from a fine move which saw Constable move the ball across to Bulman to Chapman who waited for Batt to overlap with perfect timing. His low cross was heading for Murray at the near post but the unfortunate Conroy reached it first to toe poke the ball past the stranded James Pullen in goal. Murray celebrated with the superb away fans, Batt wheeled away in delight but it was Conroy with the final touch. Which ruined our 'Murray ace at Wimbldon' headline but we don't care.

Wimbledon bounced back and the home fans found their voices for the first time, but United's defence repelled their efforts until the 72nd minute when it was all down to Clarke to maintain the lead. The excellent Batt (who should be good against the Wombles) chased a through ball with Paul Lorraine. There was contact, Lorraine went down and ref Creighton had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. The ref then took an age to get everything sorted and get players outside the box and the delay seemed to affect home striker Danny Kedwell. Looking up and seeing the imposing figure of Clarke, the top scorer planted his spot kick too close to the keeper who flew to his right to palm the ball away. A vital save and yet again every member of the squad playing their part.

Wimbeldon had late pressure but United are a strong unit and defended like fiends while the midfield ran themselves ragged to hols that precious lead. Constable and Green both had chancs in the nine minutes of injury time, but in the end that didn't matter.

An excellent win against a Wimbledon side who will be in the mix at the end of the season. Bring on the next game, we can't wait.

United are at home on Bank Holiday Monday when they face Forest Green Rovers (3pm). Order tickets online until 8am on Monday online (see BOOK ONLINE above)