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

December 17, 1983: Rotherham Utd 1, Oxford Utd 2

NEIL Whatmore grabbed two late goals to send Oxford United four points clear at the top of Division Three.

The U’s put in a spirited performance in difficult conditions as they extended their winning run to four games in Yorkshire.

Rotherham should have gone ahead after 11 minutes when top scorer Kevin Kilmore was thwarted by United keeper Steve Hardwick despite looking certain to convert.

Also read: Oxford United boss Karl Robinson - The season starts now

The hosts needed a bit of fortune to take the lead 25 minutes in, with Bobby Mitchell’s cross skidding through the penalty area and under Hardwick.

Rotherham had the ball in the net again soon after but Andy O’Dell’s effort was ruled out for offside, while Andy Thomas and Gary Briggs went close for United in the first half.

The second half started slowly, but the introduction of substitute Whatmore changed the game.

Also read: Oxford United's James Henry weighs up spot kick changes

Moments after coming on he almost converted Steve Biggins’ cross, before making no mistake to head home the winger’s inch-perfect centre on 72 minutes.

The U’s looked the likelier side to win it and they did just that when Whatmore nodded in Bobby McDonald’s free-kick with 11 minutes to go, giving United a vital win.

Oxford Utd: Hardwick, Hinshelwood, McDonald, Thomas, Briggs, Barnett (Whatmore), Lawrence, Biggins, Vinter, Hebberd, Brock.