Oxford United, beaten 7-0 by Sunderland in the Stadium of Light in September,
battled hard for a point against Peter Reid's Division One league leaders in the
first ever pay-per-view match, at the Manor Ground.
Sunderland took control in the second half but United's resolute defence
allowed them few clear-cut chances.
The best was created by Kevin Phillips who put Gavin McCann clean through 18
minutes from the end - but he stroked the ball wide from close-in with only
goalkeeper Paul Gerrard to beat.
Oxford then went closer to snatching a win in the 89th minute. Substitute
Andy Thomson gained possession from a rebound from Chris Makin and his shot
struck the inside of a post, rolled back towards the net off Makin and only a
despairing dive by Sunderland goal keeper Thomas Sorensen kept the ball out.
Sunderland were not finished and there was time for Makin to fire in a curling
shot which Gerrard did well to push out for a corner.
Oxford had made a good start with full-back Paul Powell opening up the
Sunderland defence with a run past three defenders before releasing Nicky
Banger, whose dangerous cross was cleared with difficulty.
Sunderland suffered a major blow after nine minutes when Niall Quinn limped
off and was replaced by Danny Dichio who missed a great chance six minutes
later.
Danny Holloway found the substitute unmarked ten yards out in front of goal
but Dichio failed to make contact with the ball with his head.
Teams
Oxford Utd: Gerrard, Robinson, Watson, Gilchrist, Powell,
Banger (Thomson 64), Gray, Tait (Murphy 64), Beauchamp, Windass, Francis.
Subs Not Used: Rose.
Booked: Watson.
Sunderland: Sorensen, Makin, Melville, Butler, Holloway,
Johnston, Williams, McCann, Summerbee, Quinn (Dichio 9),Phillips.
Subs Not Used: Craddock, Bridges.
Booked: Williams.
Att: 9,044
Ref: B Jordan (Tring).
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