U's chew Toffees
A first half goal from Joey Beauchamp gave Oxford a 1-0 win tonight and a 2-1 second round aggregate victory over Premiership Everton. Everton will be the only Premiership side missing from the third round draw on Sunday, surely testimony to the size of Oxford's achievement. Oxford may have plenty of problems at present but the win will surely prove to be a great morale booster.
Both managers were forced to name under strength teams for this cup encounter, which began evenly poised after the 1-1 encounter at the Manor Ground. Everton made nine changes from the team that defeated West Ham last weekend with Walter Smith unable to call upon Don Hutchinson, David Unsworth, Terry Phelan, Mark Pembridge, Dave Watson and Abel Xavier. That said, Smith did opt to rest several of his star players with the likes of Francis Jeffers, Kevin Campbell and John O'Kane all relegated to the bench. Oxford's current injury problems, meanwhile, are chronic. The fact that youth team coach Mickey Lewis was selected, making only his third appearance since 1996, rather speaks for itself.
Oxford got off to the best possible start when Joey Beauchamp opened the scoring for the U's after only 12 minutes. Matt Murphy headed down a deep Paul Powell cross which Beauchamp crashed home on the half volley from ten yards. Beauchamp might have scored a couple of minutes earlier when his fierce drive unluckily smashed into the crossbar.
Oxford were good value for their half time lead whilst Everton looked disjointed through the opening period. Doubtless the fact that Smith had made so many changes didn't help matters but his team had created little, a deflected Gareth Farrelly free kick that was easily saved by Arense Arendse was the team's best effort.
Everton introduced Francis Jeffers and Kevin Campbell for the second half but still failed to create many chances. Jeffers had a shot saved after 53 minutes whilst a Scott Gemmill shot after 83 minutes was fortuitously deflected into the arms of Arense Arendse, who was out of position at the time.
Oxford, meanwhile, did create some meaningful second half chances, Matt Murphy had a shot saved after 47 minutes and 12 minutes from time Powell and Anthrobus linked up well to create another chance for Murphy, who went close.
The truth is that Oxford deserved to win, a fact recognised by the Everton supporters who waited at the end to applaud the triumphant Oxford players on their lap of honour.
Everton's loss and consequent failure to win the tie means that they will be the only Premier League team not in Sunday's third round draw.

This page is maintained by James Beard.