Ahead of each of United's games this season, we are looking back at memorable matches against their next opponents.

September 24, 1986: Oxford United 6, Gillingham 0

JOHN Aldridge was back to his ruthless best as Oxford United began their League Cup defence with a six-goal thrashing of Gillingham.

The striker had just one goal for the season before the demolition of the Division Three side, but struck four times in a brilliant performance.

Ray Houghton and a Mark Weatherly own goal also made it onto the score sheet as a crushing first leg win all but sealed United’s progress into the second round.

U’s fans flocked to The Manor Ground in expectant mood and did not have long to wait for a goal.

Predictably, it was Aldridge who opened the scoring, with the striker receiving the ball from Jeremy Charles before beating keeper Ron Hillyard.

Charles was involved in the second as his defence-splitting pass found Houghton, whose cross was turned in by Weatherly.

But it was a bittersweet night for the U's forward, who picked up a knee injury that ended his career.

Houghton struck United’s third, before Aldridge sent the keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot.

The striker sealed his hat-trick when he headed home Dave Langan’s cross, before another header ended the first round rout with 10 minutes left.

Oxford Utd: Judge, Langan, Briggs, Shotton, Slatter, Trewick, Houghton, Phillips (Brock), Hebberd, Aldridge, Charles.