In February 2009, Burton Albion held a 19 point lead at the top of the Blue Square Premier. Their lead looked so secure that bookmakers had already paid out on them winning promotion to League Two. Yet going into the final day of the season, Burton needed a point against high flying Torquay United to guarantee their Football League status. In fact, they lost 2-1 to suffer their 5th defeatin six matches. Thankfully, Cambridge Uniteds failure to beat relegation threatened Altrincham Town saw Burton creep over the Gerrit Cole Jersey finishing line by the narrowest of margins.This le son alone dictates why Oxford United should by no means be anticipating a return to the Football League just yet. Although they have made a fantastic start with 36 points from a po sible 45, their most recent 1-1 away Adam Ottavino Jersey draw to struggling Barrow proves that football is a game of ups and downs.It was only three seasons ago that Oxford suffered heartbreak when poised to finish top of the then named Nationwide Conference. After 44 years as a Football League club, Oxford United was relegated to the top division of non league football in 2006.Jim Smith couldn't keep his beloved Oxford United in the Football LeagueAn instant return Miguel Andujar Jersey to League Two was expected and manager Jim Smithsaw themto a fantastic start withfourteen wins and eight draws in their opening 25 matches. However, a run of eleven games without a winstartingin November combined with the excellent form of unfancied Dagenham and Redbridge FC consigned Oxford to a devastating 2nd place finish. Although they still had the opportunity of promotion via the play offs, the belief has evaporated andthey were defeated soundlyin the semi finals.Even so, these days the personnel around the clubarelargely different as manager Chris Wilder attempts to lead The Us to the title. Wilders non league pedigree is excellent after six seasons in charge of Halifax Town which saw him nearly lead them to promotion on several occasions.His introduction as Oxford manager half way through the previous campaign spurred the team New York Yankees Jersey on to an impre sive 15 wins in 21 matches that saw the club just mi s out on the play offs.Without a doubt, Wilder isthe right manager for the job!Chris Wilder will hope to see League football at the Ka sam Stadium in 2010!Despite their excellent start, there are several teams in the Blue Square Premier who will be hoping for a repeat of Oxfords 2006/07 collapse. Established promotion chasers Stevenage, York and Mansfieldwill beattempting to close the gap as always whilstLuton Townare hoping to bounce back to the Football Leagueat the first attempt.The Hattershave recently sacked Mick Harford after a poor run of form so willbe hopingthat Phil Rizzuto Jersey a new manager sparks a longrun of form. Last seasons Play off Final losers Cambridge will also be hoping to claw their way up the table after early season managerial problems see themcurrently stuckin mid table.Whatever happens, the race for promotion is sure to go right down to the wire!