Golf Won't Start

This is my first post on this forum. Glad to be here.

I've got a 96' Golf with a 1.8. I've just finished putting in a new head gasket and replacing a bunch of other gaskets that were shot. In the process I'm worried that I damaged the o2 sensor when I removed it - it was pretty rusty and needed a lot of persuasion. Anyway, the car won't start. It cranks very well and strong. I've just checked the timing and it seems to be bang on. New plugs. Gas in the tank. I'm pretty sure that I hear the fuel pump working, but it won't fire. Should I start wiith a new O2 sensor, or is there something simpler that I can check?

Thanks for your help.

hello, Timing ? Cam timing correct, as well as distributor? I have been 180 out more than once. Do you have spark?
Not a silly question. A bad O2 sensor causes grief, but it should at least fire. Are your plugs wet or dry, or badly oil fouled <large amounts of WD40>with leftover cleaning spray? Allan

shot some ether in it, see if that will start it

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Cory
2000 Golf 2.0lt
black 4dr