With ASB making a storming start to the season, Jordan Ali's men travelled to Oxford oozing with confidence. And it was just as well they were, for sitting heavy on the shoulders of each of the players lay a truly enormous burden the collective responsibility of carrying out the duty of every true Ranger......TO AVENGE THE 1986 LEAGUE CUP FINAL!!

On a relatively flat and well cut surface that would suit our style, ASB lined up like this: 

GK : Juzza
RB : Orville LB : Task
CB : Tina & Peewee
RM : Jamie LM : Immy
CM : Riz & Hef
S : Jordan & Jools

Subs : Rob & Adam

With a close to full strength side, ASB took to the field knowing it was firmly in their hands to win the match. From the whistle ASB asserted their dominance over Oxford and it wasn't long before they made their superiority felt. With just 3 minutes on the clock, Jordan was played in down the left. The Gaf controlled well with his first touch and cut into the box with his second, before placing a rather scuffed shot into the side netting from a tight angle.

For the first 10 minutes the game was almost solely played in the United half, with the best chance falling to Jamie who latched onto an excellent centre from Paul Martin. His header unfortunately failed to stretch the keeper from 6 yards out.
Whilst Oxford struggled to retain any sort of possession, they did manage to fire a warning shot on 20 minutes. A hopeful ball over the top caught the ASB defence slightly square and although the runner was forced wide by Peewee, he still managed to strike a well timed shot that flashed narrowly wide of the far post. Luckily for ASB, this was to be Oxford's match highlight.

The Superhoops were soon back on the attack. Neat passing between Jamie and Jordan created space down the right flank for Jamie. His wicked curling cross found an onrushing Jules who stretched his already elongated body to connect with a header at the back post. Unfortunately he still lacked that vital inch that would have sent the ball crashing into the net rather than wide of the post and onto the empty pitch behind.
 
ASB were in the ascendance and it seemed only a matter a time before the deadlock was broken. In the 27th minute, a beautiful crossfield ball from Task from the left found Jordan on the run down the right. His control was good but he dithered and dalleyed on the ball too long and the chance was lost. From the resulting play, Jamie had a goalbound, close range shot blocked on the line.

35 minutes in and the scores remained an impossible 0-0. It was the Task / Jordan combo again which instigated the next chance that went begging. A long ball from Task landed at Jordan's feet on the right, whose mazy run into the box ended with a snapshot that brought a smart save from the Oxford keeper.

The attacking pressure from ASB was relentless though the team was still struggled to carve out clearcut goalscoring opportunities. The team, for all their hard work, seemed to lack an uncharacteristic cutting edge. The attack required inspiration and it was duly provided by a topclass defender. A clever short corner from Jamie found an unmarked Peewee on the right edge of the box. Without a moments hesitation, the centre-back thumped a sweet first time strike which arrowed into the bottom left corner. A fantastic goal scored at a crucial time. It was even possible to sense that it was less relief and more a I can't believe it's taken us this bloody long to score feeling amongst the ASB squad. Anyways, 1-0 to the Superhoops!!

There was just enough time to squeeze in one more effort before the half was drawn to a close. A long goal kick from Peewee caught the Oxford defence napping. Jordan took advantage by bringing the ball under control before volleying the bouncing ball from distance. Unfortunately, the Gaffer's audacious strike landed comfortably in the keeper's arms.

Half Time ASB 1 - 0 Oxford United

The half-time teamtalk brought changes to both personnel and formation. ASB switched to a Morihnio-esque 4-3-3 formation with Task, Riz and Adam Lucas making up the midfield with Jordan, Jamie and Jools completing the three-pronged attack.

With only 3 against 4 in midfield the game became a much more open affair though ASB still had the better of the possession and territory. The passing was slicker and more controlled and in this half the finishing was to be that much more clinical.

Orv and Lucas were linking up well on the right. Neat football between the two allowed the space and time for Lucas to cross from a wide position. His low curling centre begged for a strikers touch but the ball eluded everyone to roll harmlessly wide.

ASB doubled their lead on 70mins. A defence splitting through pass from Jordan put Jules clean through and he neatly tucked the ball away passed the onrushing keeper. ASB 2 - 0 Oxford.

It was soon to be 3. A poor goalkick was headed straight back by Lucas. Jordan had gambled and was now clean through down the right. He drew the keeper in before selflessly squaring to Lucas who had the simple task of passing into an empty net.

Oxford struggled to make any sort of dent in the ASB rearguard especially against a back four that was as solid as a boxer's torso. The opposition had only one shot of note in the 2nd half, a well struck volley from outside the box that flew just over the bar. Needless to say Rob had it covered all the way.

With only a few minutes to go, Lucas Battled hard in midfield and won the ball giving Task the ball in space. He delivered a first time cross into the box which caused havoc amongst the United defence. The ball ricocheted around the box and was heading for the goalkeepers arms but a brave Jules stuck out a boot and directed the ball into the net. 4-0 to ASB.

Right at the death it could have been 5. A good passing move ended with the ball at the feet of Lucas on the edge of the box. His delicate chip sailed over the keeper who could only stand and watch as it landed agonisingly on top of the bar. A shame considering a simple pass to Jules might have brought him his hat-trick.

Full Time ASB 4 - 0 Oxford United

Special mentions must go out to Paul Martin who looked comfortable and composed in both central midfield and centre half, Orve who gave his now customary rock solid performance, Tina who seems to be relishing in his new defensive role, Juzza who was just simply solid and Riz who managed to keep his thoughts, fists and forehead entirely to himself. However, Man of the Match is awarded to Jules who worked tirelessly all game and was rewarded with 2 classic strikers goals.