Oxford United | Match | Match Report | 28 December 2009, Salisbury 1

United were denied right at the death as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Salisbury this afternoon. Onome Sodje's goal looked to have won it until Chris Todd's last gasp equaliser.

One year ago almost to the day United came to Salisbury to start the Chris Wilder era. They were soundly beaten. The new manager started the rebuilding almost immediately,and just two of the team that started a year ago remained for United, centre half Luke Foster and talismanic striker James Constable while another, Adam Murray, missed out through suspension, meaning a midfield role for the versatile Franny Green.

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The first 45 minutes were almost all in the Salisbury half as United penned them back, with the pace of Alfie Potter causing plenty of problems. Potter had the first shot of the match after seven minutes and had an offside effort ruled out on ten as well, while a spinning effort from Constable on 14 was deflected inches wide by on loan Torquay defender Chris Todd. Having had two games in a row called off The Yellows had energy to burn and closed Salisbury down quickly at all times but had a reminder not to take territorial advantage for granted as the ever dangerous Matt Tubbs ran clear on 20 and saw Salisbury's first effort well blocked by the impeccable Mark Creighton.

On 34 Jack Midson's goalbound effort struck the flank of Todd and went wide once again and the same player nodded a Creighton headed cross just wide on the half hour as the away side continued to do everything but score.

The clearest chance yet came on 35 as Luke Foster's through ball set Constable away but the top scorer's clipped effort was well saved by James Bittner as he rushed from his line.

The second half opened with Adam Chapman's rasping left footed effort going wide from the edge of the box on 48, but Salisbury came out with more attacking intentions and the game became more even.

Salisbury had claims for a penalty waved away on 56 as Gray tumbled in a challenge with Chapman, but were also happy to take time out of the game whenever possible as they looked to preserve a point against the leaders, especially with only three subs on the bench due to injuries and suspensions.

The chances had begun to dry up but United were still on the front foot in the second period without being able to pick the lock as Todd and Dan Webb stood strong at the back for the home side. The U's just needed one clear sight at goal.

With challenges flying in and tempers often flaring a set piece looked like being the key, whichever end. On 79 it was a beautifully flighted free kick from Chapman which did the trick. Constable won a free kick thirty yards out and Chapman sent in the most inviting of crosses. Sodje was first to it and his header beat Bittner to send the vast majority of the crowd into raptures.

Surely the win was assured? But then in the very last minute disaster struck. A throw in was awarded to Salisbury when it should have been the other way, and this time Todd was there to smash a header in from Sean Clohessy's pinpoint cross. Darrell Clarke may have got the final touch right on the line, but it was hard to see in the forest of yellow payers with heads in hands in despair.

A draw is a big improvement on the last two visits to Salisbury but it could so easily have been a maximum.