Swans 0-0 Oxford
Saturday, 18th Aug 2001 00:00

Swans and Oxford Share Points In Stalemate


FULL TIME REPORT
SWANSEA CITY	0	v	0	OXFORD UNITED

It's hard to gauge much from either side on this particular game with the game being void of clear cut opportunities and bar the gathering of a few balls in the box, neither goalkeeper had much to do. Judging on this one game alone I have to say that we ill struggle for goals yet again this season with a lack of creativity or someone to knock them in on a regular basis.

John Hollins was forced into one change with the late withdrawal of Kristian O'Leary with a stomach bug, captain Nick Cusack filling in at the back partnering Chris Todd. David Romo came in for Cusack in the middle of an otherwise unchanged side from the one that started the season at Macclesfield.

Oxford captain, the returning Martin Thomas made his intentions clear from the start with a first minute challenge on Gareth Phillips which the referee deemed a free-kick for Swansea.

Swansea certainly started the best of the two sides and goal attempts from Gareth Phillips in the opening few minutes went close to the goal and Steve Watkin's overhead kick was already academic when it hit the back of the net following the referee's whistle.

Swansea found themselves increasingly in the first half getting the possession but never threatening the Oxford defence and a low shot from Sidebe was the only time that Oxford's keeper was forced into a save. Oxford's best chance came when Scott charged down a Roger clearance and the home crowd were releived to see it go wide of the post.

John Hollins was forced into another change at half-time with Stuart Roberts picking up a first half knock and being replaced by Richie Appleby. The crowd began to get more frustrated with their inability to break down Oxford and rumblings were heard on the North Bank of 'same old rubbish' in reference to last season's poor form.

David Romo was becoming the brunt of the supporter's anger as he gave away possession three times in the second half when in reasonably decent positions.

Todd took down Thomas as he threatened to break through the middle and Thommo's raised fist was stopped in mid air by the Oxford captain and Todd rightly received the yellow card. Sidebe followed him into the book soon after when he kicked the ball away after a decision went against him and despite attempts from the crowd to try and life the players, again the stalemate never looked like being lifted.

Nick Cusack managed a good turn and shot towards the end and John Williams, on for Watkin, was givena chance to run at the defence but decided to look for a more complicated option and Oxford cleared their lines.

The referee's whistle bought to an end the stalemate of the afternoon and boos could be heard from sections of the North Bank as the players left the pitch.

It's hard to gauge this result. It was not a convincing performance but it's 4 points out of the first six. My personal opinion is that on this performance it is hard seeing either side being in there challenging at the end of the season. Only time will tell if those performances improve.