Oxford united v Rotherham, The Kassam Stadium, Sat 21st Oct, 3-3
Vicky and I have fond memories of the Kassam stadium. We had a girlie day out here a few years ago with a defeat followed by Frankie and Bennies while Ian was off skiing. It also proved to be the final nail in the coffin of one of our previous managers, Andy Scott. This time we decided to have a girlie few days out, staying in the town for a couple of nights in a posh hotel while Ian was working.
This is the life.
After two days of visiting museums we checked out of the hotel and met Ian, who had come down for the game, then Wooly and Caroline, who had done the same as us. We lunched at a pleasant pub before making our way to the ground.
The Kassam stadium is unique in that it only has three sides, the fourth being a car park. This is quite interesting when the ball gets wellied over the net and cannons off the vehicles parked there. We had parked further away.
The day had started quite pleasant but as storm Brian blew into town so did the wind and rain. The open end of the ground meant conditions were difficult to say the least. We checked the teams to see which players wouldn’t like it up ‘em and decided Oxfords Ricardinho was a likely candidate.
We were also very disturbed by the fact that Oxford appeared to have 3 (three!) mascots. I’m sure that’s against FA rules.
Overkill?
Despite Brian it was a pretty good turnout by the Millers fans
We’re just above the flag
In the Oxford ranks was ex Miller Wes Thomas. Wes actually played in the famous Wembley victory and is practicality a relation, as Ian was sat next to his girlfriends dad at the play off Semi in Preston.
Our Wes in happier times
We kicked off playing toward the stand end and got off to a great start with a Joe Newell strike finding the net after 20mins.
Unfortunately a fifteen minute spell where our defence forgot how to play football saw Oxford score three goals, and miss a ludicrously awarded penalty. thankfully our Wes didn’t get one. Just before half time we pulled one back with a Ryan Williams strike meaning it was 3-2 at the break. Game on
Second half we were shooting toward the car park, and in front of the Millers fans. It was a much better showing. Joe Newell was running the midfield and a Keiffer Moore shot hit the bar. The pressure was building. Joe Newell hit a peach of a pass to Ryan Williams on the wing. He put a perfect cross into the box for an unmarked (why would you still?!) Keiffer Moore. He doesn’t miss from two yards. 3-3 And his 11th of the season.
After that we pressed for the winner, having a seemingly good goal disallowed for a push, but to no avail, and the match ended 3-3. It was the first time we had come from behind for a point this season. A good result against promotion rivals. If only we had a defence!
Next up Gillingham at home
Man of the match
Ian - joe Newell
Jackie - joe Newell
Vicky - Joe Newell
Toilet watch
5/10 - not bad but only one hand dryer for 30,000 Rotherham fans!
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