THERE are all sorts of theories about what makes a team win - right down to the colour of their kit.

It is just superstition, of course, but a freak pattern continued with Oxford United’s 1-0 defeat at Cheltenham Town on Saturday.

It meant the U’s have lost the last nine times they have worn yellow for a Sky Bet League One away game.

United have not gained a single point in that colour on the road since September 17, 2019, when they drew 0-0 with Bolton Wanderers.

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Since then, they have lost at Doncaster Rovers (twice), MK Dons, Lincoln City, Charlton Athletic, Fleetwood Town, Sunderland, AFC Wimbledon and Cheltenham.

The last time United won in yellow on the road in League One was April 6, 2019, when a 3-1 victory at Walsall all-but ensured safety from relegation.

Interestingly, they have done well when they wear their home kit in cup games, beating Walsall and Crawley Town and only losing to Exeter City on penalties in the EFL Trophy.

There was also a memorable 0-0 draw at Newcastle United in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round last January.

It also contrasts with an impressive record when playing in white, which United have worn 32 times since the start of 2019/20 – losing just seven matches.

United away games in yellow since April 6, 2019:

  • Aug 3, 2019: Sunderland D 1-1
  • Aug 24, 2019: Bristol Rovers L 1-3
  • Sep 7, 2019: Fleetwood Town L 1-2
  • Sep 17, 2019: Bolton Wanderers D 0-0
  • Nov 12, 2019: Crawley Town W 4-1*
  • Dec 4, 2019: Exeter City D 0-0 (lost on pens)*
  • Dec 14, 2019: MK Dons L 0-1
  • Jan 1, 2020: Doncaster Rovers L 0-1
  • Jan 25, 2020: Newcastle United D 0-0*
  • Sep 12, 2020: Lincoln City L 0-2
  • Oct 27, 2020: Charlton Athletic L 0-2
  • Oct 31, 2020: Fleetwood Town L 0-2
  • Nov 10, 2020: Walsall W 1-0*
  • Feb 6, 2021: Doncaster Rovers L 2-3
  • Apr 2, 2021: Sunderland L 1-3
  • Sep 4, 2021: AFC Wimbledon L 1-3
  • Sep 18, 2021: Cheltenham Town L 1-3

*denotes cup game.