Oxford United moved a further 3 points clear smashing 5 past Julian Dick's lacklustre Grays side. A double from James Constable, substitute Jack Midson and one from Jamie Cook was enough to seal a comfortable win for Chris Wilder's side.
United opened the scoring early on with their first real chance of the game. Wilder's post match interview defined the opener as 'a training ground routine' and it was just that, Cook crossed from the right for the U's top scorer James Constable who coolly slotted home unmarked at the far post from 8 yards.
 | Constable hit his 11th of the season infront of a crowd of over 6,000 |
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This looked to be an afternoon that promised to be one of United's more comfortable encounters this season and minutes later it was made even cosy when a lobbed ball over the top saw Grays keeper Preston Edwards misjudge a lofted through ball to collide with the on rushing green. Edwards miscalculated to allow Matt Green to challenge as the ball flicked off the strikers body to the feet of Constable who had the task of walking the ball into the empty net to make it two for United and two for Constable. Edwards protests earned the stopped a yellow card and for what its worth seemed even more redundant.
On 34 minutes it was almost 3 for Constable, a right wing delivery found the path of Constable only to see his effort scuff away from danger. This failed to provide the away side with stimulant to push on and it was again United who took the initiative effectively ending any chance of a Grays comeback attempt. Constable's sheer persistent led to the third, muscling off a weak defender, found time and space in the area before turning his man and squaring for the 12th man signing Jamie Cook to put the game beyond doubt.
Prior to the half time interval saw United's goal hero Constable replaced after carrying a knock received earlier on as he was substituted to an ovatious round-of-applause only for another United poacher in Jack Midson an equally adept replacement.
The second period provided much of the same, one way traffic for the home side. Julian Dick's failed in his attempt to contain United's play as they stuck to plan a when they should have reverted to plan b in a tactical battle. Gladly they didn't which allowed a change of formation for Jack Midson to play a lone striking role with the ever-present Adam Murray to slot into a more creative role further forward.
Grays had failed to carve out any attempt at Ryan Clarke's goal and they didn't look particularly impressive with former United striker Jamie Slabber seemingly unsuccessful in finding a way past the presence of Mark Creighton and Luke Foster. On 60 Matt Green surged forward to fire at Preston Edwards goal only to be denied by the Grays stopper.
 | Jack Midson's form infront of goal is beginning to give manager Chris Wilder a selection headache |
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It took a while in coming but on the stroke of the 70th minute Jack Midson finding his name on the score sheet yet again from the subs bench. Adam Chapman's unsuccessful drive towards goal found Midson in the right place at the right time to neatly tuck the ball across Edwards to make it 4 for United. United looked revitalised unlike the Eastbourne game earlier in the season where they found themselves in a similar state at half time whereas the effort showed little mercy in front of goal.
United replaced the outstanding Adam Murray for 16 year old Aaron Woodley for the last 15 minutes for a cameo appearance. Although United weren't done yet the 90th minute saw Jack Midson round Edwards only to fumble at the striker's feet to bring the U's man down. Second yellow and a penalty for United which would see Anwar Uddin replace the Grays stopper. However an inspired goalkeeper was not to be as Midson fired past Uddin for the final whistle to blow shortly after.
| Blue Square (Conference) Premier, Saturday, 10th October 2009 @ 15:00 |
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 | Oxford United
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