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

April 6, 1996: Oxford Utd 1, Blackpool 0

JOEY Beauchamp's wonder-goal downed table-toppers Blackpool to continue Oxford United's march towards automatic promotion from Division Two.

The winger's looping 35-yard effort settled a tense clash at the Manor Ground as the U's continued their climb up the table.

United entered the game 11 points behind second-placed Swindon Town with just seven games of their season remaining.

Meanwhile, Sam Allardyce's Blackpool were two points clear at the summit and seemingly on course for Division One football in 1996/97.

A draw would hardly have been a disaster for the U's, but Beauchamp's moment of magic gave them the win they so desperately craved.

A Les Robinson cross was headed away by the Tangerines' defence, but the ball fell straight to the 25-year-old.

He took one touch before sending a sensational shot into the top corner to score a goal many believe to be the best goal seen at the Manor.

United went on to drop just two points in their final six games, sealing promotion with a 4-0 final-day victory over Peterborough United.

Blackpool, on the other hand, never recovered and lost to Bradford City in the play-off semi-finals.

Their demise was particularly sweet for the U's, thanks to one particular comment after the match at the Manor.

Mike Ford said: "I remember Phil Brown, who was Sam Allardyce's assistant, saying in his interview that he was sure Oxford would do well in the play-offs.

"It was the added bit of incentive we may have needed.

"We were sat on a beach in Majorca when Blackpool were playing the first leg of their play-off so we sent him a postcard.

"It said 'to Phil, good luck in the play-offs, love Oxford United."  

Oxford United: Whitehead, Robinson, Ford, Smith, Elliott, Gilchrist, Rush (Aldridge), Gray (Lewis), Moody, Beauchamp, Murphy (Allen).