U's and Stars team up for a great night
The Yellow Army did United proud on Sunday as they turned out in great numbers to back Oxfordshire United Night, which celebrated a new link-up between the U's and the Stars.
They cheered Oxford City Star's ice hockey team to a thumping 14-1 victory in their home game against Invicta Mustangs to officially launch the new relationship between the two clubs.
And United mascots Ollie and Olivia the Ox gave the Yellow Army an extra boost as they came first and second in the mascot race at the event which was billed as the Oxfordshire United Night.
The mascots had to skate to the halfway line and strike a puck into the goal. Ollie scored first, followed by Olivia, Osney, the Oxford Mail mascot and Marvin the Penguin from the ice rink.
Around 200 United fans were part of the 423 gate to cheer on the Stars. At least a third of the visiting U's fans were visiting the ice hockey club for the first time, after both Oxford United and the Yellow Army formed a partnership with the Stars county’s ice hockey club earlier this month.
To celebrate the friendship U’s fans entered the Stars match at weekend for half price by showing a valid Oxford United season ticket or match day stub. Local charity Special Effects were among the special guests on the night. And it was a great success, with the Yellow Army in fine voice, a resounding Stars win and new friendships made.
"It was a great night, a lot of Oxford United fans attended and really added to the atmosphere and helped boost the crowd," said Joe Nicholls, of the Yellow Army.
"Everyone enjoyed it and it was the perfect way to kick start what promises to be a long and fruitful relationship between two of the county's best clubs. We both share the same passion for representing Oxfordshire in sport and we're looking forward to hosting their players and fans at Oxford United in the future."
James Schall, Head of Marketing, at the City Stars, said: “We were so happy to see so many Oxford United supporters at our match and we hope to see more of them for future games, our players are proud as punch to represent Oxfordshire and it means so much to have the brilliant support of the Yellow Army behind them.”
The day before the Yellow Army proudly unveiled a new flag at the Kassam Stadium which incorporates both teams badges with the words 'Oxfordshire United' emblazoned on it. In addition the Yellow Army are sponsoring Oxford City Stars defender and Oxford United fan Joe Oliver.