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

August 24, 1996: Oxford Utd 5, Southend Utd 0

DIVISION One football returned to the Manor Ground in style as Oxford United thrashed Southend United.

The U's tormented the Shrimpers in their first home game since promotion back to the second tier, with Nigel Jemson and Joey Beauchamp scoring twice and David Rush adding a fifth goal.

The triumph also got Denis Smith's side off the mark for the campaign and helped ease the pain of an opening day 2-1 defeat at Queen's Park Rangers.

United were far from their free-flowing best in the early stages, but they settled down once Beauchamp put them ahead in the 21st minute.

The winger nodded home Les Robinson's perfect cross, paving the way for a rout.

Jemson had a hand in the opener and he added his name to the scoresheet eight minutes before half-time.

David Smith put it on a plate for the striker, who produced a classy side-foot finish to put the U's firmly in control.

There was still time for United to grab another before the break, Beauchamp arriving late to head his second of the afternoon. 

The half-time whistle failed to halt the home side's momentum and they were celebrating again within six minutes of the restart.

Paul Moody turned away from Mike Lapper and sent in a superb cross for Jemson to finish at the back post.

It looked like that would be the final goal of the afternoon, until Rush, who had replaced Jemson moments earlier, found the net from a tight angle five minutes from time.

Oxford United: Whitehead, M Ford, Elliott, Gilchrist, Robinson, B Ford, Smith, Massey, Beauchamp, Moody, Jemson. Substitutes: Rush, Gray, Aldridge.