To mark Oxford United’s 125th season, we are looking back at what made the news this week in three of the club's promotion-winning campaigns

1964

OXFORD United were left seething over a decision by the Football League to switch the time of their match at Newport County on Boxing Day to 11.30am.

The Fourth Division match was scheduled to start at 3.15pm but Newport requested a switch after discovering, somewhat belatedly, there would be a clash with a rugby match between Newport and Watsonians at Rodney Parade.

U’s manager Arthur Turner said: “This does not make my cold any better.

“We either have to travel on Christmas Day or go very early on the day itself, but with the weather as it is at the moment that could be a very risky proposition.”

1984

OXFORD United rejected Barnsley’s request to restage the top-of-the-table clash just three days after the original game was postponed by thick fog.

United boss Jim Smith said: “Barnsley wanted it played as soon as possible, but we wouldn’t get any advantage by going up again so soon so we’ll rearrange it for later in the season.”

The supporters’ coaches diverted to watch ex-United players Neil Whatmore and Mick Vinter play for Mansfield Town against Scunthorpe.

But the fixture was one of two games fogged off – the other one was at Oakwell.

1995

ONE of Denis Smith’s favourite players came back to haunt him again and halt Oxford United’s four-match unbeaten run.

For the third time this year Marcus Stewart smashed in the winning goal for Bristol Rovers against the U’s.

This time he scored twice in the last 12 minutes at Twerton Park in a 2-0 victory.

“It was a little flash of brilliance from a quality player, I really don’t know why he isn’t playing at a higher level,” said Smith.

“He’s one of my favourite players, except when he’s playing against us.”