Oxford United will play Reading at home on Wednesday 4 November in a League One game featuring a special Remembrance event. The club, sitting third in the table on 23 points from six wins and five draws this season, will mark the occasion with unique Poppy shirts, a ceremony to lay wreaths, and a fundraising auction for the Royal British Legion.
Oxford's head coach and Reading's manager will be on the field with veterans before the game starts to lay wreaths. The veterans represent the armed forces community. People from local Royal British Legion branches will also attend, with a moment of silence and a live rendition of the Last Post.
After the game, the shirts worn by the players will be signed and sold at auction, with all money raised going to the Poppy Appeal. The club has requested that fans in the East Stand be seated by a specific time to take part in the ceremony, holding up a card from their seat. During the break, a marching band from an Air Cadets squadron will play military music.
Match Context and Stakes
The game is an important League One meeting between two teams near the top of the table. Oxford are just above Reading in the standings, currently five points behind the league leaders. They have not lost in their last several matches, with a recent run of two wins and three draws keeping them unbeaten in five. Their leading scorer this season, Mark Harris with six goals, scored in the recent 1-1 draw with Barnsley on Saturday 31 October. That result was part of a consistent run that also includes a 1-0 win over Stockport County, a goalless draw with Bradford, a 2-1 victory against Wigan, and a 1-1 draw at Mansfield Town. The team has scored 20 goals and conceded 11 so far this campaign.
Police have arranged a significant operation for the match, using various specialist units. The officer in charge has asked fans to arrive early and listen to instructions from officials. Adults are also reminded to keep track of children attending.
Tickets for the game are in high demand, with several sections no longer available. The Ticket Office will be open for many hours on matchday. Supporters can view future games on the club's fixtures page and see the league table on the standings page.
