Steve Torpey's 74th minute penalty secured the first away point of the season for The Shaymen and gave them a deserved reward from a game in which they more than matched an Oxford United side who are expected to be amongst the top teams come the end of the season next May. After an entire season without a spot kick in League games last year this was the second awarded to Chris Wilder's side in the space of 5 days.
An ankle injury prevented Steve Bushell from playing and Tom Kearney returned to the starting line up as did Matt Doughty, with the Manager opting to field a 3-5-2 formation.New signing from Burton Albion Jon Shaw took his place in attack alongside Andy Campbell with Lewis Killeen in the hole behind the front men.And the judgement of the latest strike pairing was very favourable.
Town started well. Within a minute Cortez Belle headed Kearney's corner over the bar with Oxford responding through a Rob Duffy header that didn't trouble Craig Mawson.Debutant Shaw had a 9th minute chance but sliced his shot wide from Doughty's well worked free kick.
Both teams had a Shaw and a Quinn in their ranks and it was the home Shaw, another debutant that had the next shot but it lacked the power to trouble Mawson.Not to be outdone the Jon Shaw had a shot 60 seconds later but didn't hit the target.
The 29th minute saw the best chance of the half fall to Jon Shaw.Ryan Toulson played the ball to Campbell in a central position.His instant control and pass released Shaw but Oxford keeper Billy Turley raced from his goal to smother the shot.Oxford countered immediately but Belle got a vital block to divert Duffy's shot for a corner.
During first half injury time Jon Shaw was in the thick of the action again when his glancing header from Doughty's near post cross was inches wide and the half ended goalless but with The Shaymen having the better of things.
Town forced a couple of corners at the start of the 2nd half but were caught out in the 51st minute.A long ball forward from Belle reached Oxford keeper Turley.His long clearance was flicked on into Duffy's path and he advanced towards goal, drew Mawson and gave the home side the lead.
Phil Trainer shot over from 6 yards and Paul Shaw also failed to hit the target as Oxford threatened a further goal but The Shaymen showed commendable spirit and resolve at the back to avert further danger.
Chris Wilder introduced Steve Torpey in the 69th minute and changed to a 4-4-2 formation with Lewis Killeen moving to the right.And the move paid dividends within 5 minutes.Torpey and Kearney linked to find Campbell wide on the left.The in form striker left a number of Oxford defenders in his wake as he dribbled into the box and was upended by Michael Corcoran and Referee Linighan pointed to the spot.Torpey stepped up and shot low to Turley's left and although the keeper dived in the right direction the spot kick was precise and Town were deservedly level.
And within minutes they could have taken the lead.A one two on the left with Campbell released Torpey, his pull back was into Killeen's path but he was unable to apply the finish the move deserved.
With 4 minutes of added time signalled Town looked comfortable but there was still time for an incredible goal mouth scramble that ended with Adam Quinn's clearance.The drama wasn't over as substitute Yemi Odubade dribbled into the penalty area and fell to the ground under a challenge but the Referee correctly signalled a dive.
So The Shaymen take their first point from their travels this season.Chris Wilder was a happy man after the game and will be looking for his side to kick on when they travel to Stafford Rangers for Thursday evening's live game, kick off 7.45pm
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