Oxford United (3) – QPR (3) – 'And Martin Allen Produced a Superb Chip to Beat Alan Judge' 

03/31/2025 06:13 AM

Football League Division One 

Team: Barron, Neill, McDonald, Fenwick, Dawes, Allen, James, Walker, Robinson, Bannister, Rosenior 

Sub: Byrne 

Attendance: 11,910 

Following a 2-1 win over Watford the previous week, on 29th March 1986, the R's travelled to Oxford. Martin Marks later filed his match report: 

'A thrilling Milk Cup Final rehearsal ended in heartache for two players who will miss the Wembley showdown. 

Warren Neill, QPR's 23-year-old defender, who had already missed half a season with a broken leg, spent last night in hospital with a depressed cheekbone fracture. 

And he will be joined in the Wembley stands on April 20 by Oxford's Peter Rhoades-Brown who damaged his cartilage in a first-half challenge. He had an exploratory operation last night in an Oxford hospital.  

Rangers' former Oxford boss Jim Smith said: "It's a tragedy for both lads. They may never get another chance to play at Wembley." 

And Oxford manager Maurice Evans added: "It's a real blow for us because Peter's been one of our best players in recent weeks. I really feel for both of them."

The injuries spoiled a cracking match that will surely boost ticket sales for next month's final. 

The game seemed to be dominated by players who won't be appearing at Wembley, Cup-tied Clive Walker opened the scoring for Rangers with an opportunist header after just eleven minutes and then produced his best form for his new club. 

And Steve Perryman, making his Oxford debut after 16 years at Spurs, was a calming influence as United fought back to level the scores three times. 

Their first equaliser came after 22 minutes when Ray Houghton beat Paul Barron after a delightful long pass from Rhoades-Brown. 

Within a minute, Rangers were ahead again when Michael Robinson's cross created havoc in the Oxford goalmouth and Martin Allen produced a superb chip to beat Alan Judge. 

Rhoades-Brown damaged his knee in a clash with Allen after 28 minutes and Perryman pleaded successfully with referee Neil Midgley not to book hm. 

Kevin Brock was immediately brought on as substitute and nine minutes later started the move that brought United's second equaliser. 

England defender Terry Fenwick was ruled to have handled Jeremy Charles's shot and John Aldridge scored from the penalty spot.  

Another penalty, this time for David Langan's challenge on Gary Bannister, gave Fenwick the chance to slot home his ninth goal of the season just before the break. 

And it was the game's third penalty, after 82 minutes, that gave Aldridge his 27th goal of the season after Alan McDonald had fouled the striker.' 

Just two days later, the R's defeated Chelsea 6-0 at Loftus Road. 

As for Warren Neill, he did get to return to the side on 14th April for the trip to Filbert Street. 

Steve Russell