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

October 7, 1972: Oxford United 5, Sunderland 1

HUGH Curran fired a hat-trick in the last ten minutes to turn Oxford United's victory over Sunderland into a rout.

The U's had fought back from going behind to Bobby Kerr's first-half goal to lead 2-1 at the Manor Ground, Nigel Cassidy and David Sloan putting the hosts in front.

But Curran well and truly put the game beyond the visitors as he rounded off United's finest 45 minutes of the Division Two campaign so far.

The performance was even more remarkable after a first half where Sunderland looked comfortable.

Kerr put the visitors ahead on 22 minutes when he ran on to Ian Porterfield's pass and beat Roy Burton.

The U's managed to stop their opponents creating many clear-cut chances, but Gerry Summers's side were unable to trouble the Sunderland goal themselves.

That all changed after the break, when United levelled within a minute.

Steve Aylott found Ken Skeen who crossed from the byline, with Cassidy diving in to head past Jim Montgomery.

The striker missed two gilt-edged chances to put the home side in front, but Sloan made no mistake just after the hour mark.

Once again Skeen provided the cross and the Northern Irishman was on hand to head home.

The U's held a slender lead, but Curran gave them breathing space ten minutes from time.

Dick Lucas surged into the Sunderland half and found the forward, who composed himself before slamming a shot into the far corner.

Four minutes later Curran was in the right place as Jim Montgomery could only palm away Derek Clarke's cross to put the result beyond doubt.

And he added the cherry on top one minute from time, as he dispatched a rebound to make it five.

It was one of many highlights in a fantastic season for the U's, who ended the campaign eighth.

It remained their highest finish until they won the second tier in 1985.

Oxford Utd: Burton, Lucas, C Clarke, Evanson, Shuker, Sloan, Skeen, Roberts, Aylott, Cassidy, Curran. Substitute: D Clarke.