Oxford United made to battle by terrific Taunton (From Bicester Advertiser)

Oxford United made to battle by terrific Taunton

9:00am Thursday 7th February 2013 in Sport By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

DEANE Smalley’s penalty sent Oxford United through to the Oxfordshire Senior Cup semi-finals with a 1-0 win over against a dogged Chinnor at Thame’s ASM Stadium last night.
  The striker tucked home the spot-kick on 69 minutes after substitute James Roberts had been tripped in the box by Steve Newell.
  United would have won far more comfortably against the Hellenic League Division 1 East side, but for a terrific display from Ben Taunton.
  The goalkeeper made a string of fine saves, particularly in the second half, to keep the U’s at bay.
  Among those frustrated by the   in-form stopper was Simon Heslop, whose 75th-minute    free-kick was tipped onto the crossbar.
  Callum O’Dowda also struck the woodwork in the first half, hitting a post after Taunton had parried a Heslop shot.
  Several senior players got a  run-out for United and assistant manager Mickey Lewis was particularly pleased to see Andy Whing get through 45 minutes after two months out with an ankle injury.
  Lewis said: “It’s good to have him back because he’s a good character.
  “He’s got such a great attitude that you know he’ll always give you 100 per cent.”
Oxford Utd: Crocombe, Ashby, Worley, Long, Lynn, Heslop, Whing (Roberts ht), O'Dowda, Humphreys, Parker, Smalley. Subs not used: Hackett, Martin, Ekpiteta, Clarke
Chinnor: Taunton, Newell, Ayres, White, Craker, Peverill, Essex, Braun, Stone, Daly, Chapman. Subs not used: Barnett, Bonwick, Marshall, Eason, Midwinter.
Attendance: 151.
*UNITED chairman Ian Lenagan will host a fans’ forum  at the Kassam Stadium  tonight (7pm).