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Oxford United reached 60 points, and regained first place in the league, but made hard work of things against a resolute Kidderminster side at the KasStad yesterday.

The game was only the third league game of 2010, and United are still finding their new year feet. The lack of games so far is in stark contrast to the rest of the season which sees at least 7 games a month, plus up to another 3 if we progress in the FA Trophy.

For around twenty minutes yesterday, I was enjoying an end-to-end game, with a referee that seemed to want to let the game flow and play positive advantage. Thinking that was of course the kiss-of-death. From there the ref and his colleagues turned into a seeming random decision generating machine, including denying United two penalties – one of which was the clearest cut push in the area. Inconsistency was the name of the game; for United first offences were punished, whereas Kiddy got away with half-a-dozen.

Frustratingly for United, it was an off day going forward. Beano had one of those days, isolated, caught endlessly offside, and booked yet again; though at least this time not for use of his mouth; reaching 10 bookings and a 2 game ban. Cook, Midson and Deering all missed good chances to score.

All in all it was a strange day. Frustrating performance, slightly disappointing draw, cheered by going top after Stevenage were defeated by Telford (and having two sent off). Tuesday brings a real test of character for United – a trip to Kenilworth Road to face a Luton side desperate for points (and revenge). If we play like yesterday we are going to be lucky to get a point.