Haworth brace sinks U's
   A goal in each half from Simon Haworth condemned Oxford to a 2-0 defeat against Wigan at the
   JJB Stadium on Saturday afternoon. However the defeat isn't perhaps as damaging as it could
   have been because Chesterfield and Scunthorpe lost while Cambridge, Colchester, Cardiff and
   Blackpool all drew.
   Simon Haworth opened the scoring at the JJB Stadium just after the 20 minute mark and in
   doing so scored his 18th goal of the season. Haworth was unmarked and made no mistake in
   heading home a Terry Cooke free-kick after Steve Davis had given away a needless foul.
   The goal spurred Wigan on and Richard Knight made two good saves before the break. He got
   down well to deny Neil Roberts just minutes after the Latics had scored whilst shortly before
   the break he made an excellent parried save which led to a goalmouth scramble. Fortunately
   for the U's they were able to clear the danger.
   Oxford had a couple of first half chances themselves - both coming in the opening phase of the
   half. Nigel Jemson set-up Paul Tait but his shot was saved while Matt Murphy created an
   opportunity for Jemson but the veteran striker wanted too much time on the ball and the chance
   was gone.
   Wigan disappointed in the second half while Oxford valiantly pushed forward in search of an
   equaliser, going close on several occasions. A Mark Watson strike shortly after the start of the
   second half was well saved by Roy Carroll while Jamie Cook was a constant menace from out
   wide. Cook created a chance for Murphy just after the hour mark but the midfielder fired just
   over. Later in the half Derek Lilley created another chance for Murphy but he shot wide.
   Wigan completed a miserable afternoon for the U's by doubling their lead in injury time. A long
   ball over the top caught out the U's defence and Haworth charged towards goal despite a strong
   suspicion of off-side. Knight came out to try and clear but missed and Haworth's less than
   convincing contact was enough to guide the ball over the line.
   Denis Smith can be pleased with many aspects of his team's performance but at this stage of
   the season points are all that really matters. Cardiff's draw at Preston means that they are now
   just two points behind Oxford and with a game in hand. Oxford's battle for survival could go
   right down to the wire.

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