Oxford United have continued their impressive run of form as the U’s edged past Rotherham United. The 2-1 victory, with goals coming from Tariqe Fosu and Matt Taylor, at the New York Stadium extended their run to nine games in all competitions, and moved them up to fifth in League One as a result.
Tarique Fosu and Matt Taylor on Target for Oxford United
Oxford United Win in Rotherham
Rotherham is always a tricky away day, particularly after the Millers suffered relegation from the Championship last season, but this Oxford United team are fearless. A 6-0 win at Lincoln City, 4-0 win over West Ham United and 3-0 victory against Doncaster Rovers have accentuated that.
This was a closer scoreline, but the dominance on display was no different from their recent performances. It was a cagey opening, with neither side really threatening to force an opener, but the U’s took the lead with their first real opportunity.
Cameron Brannagan outmuscled the defender on the edge of the box and squared to Tariqe Fosu, who unleashed a lethal drive into the far corner, but Rotherham’s goal will be a disappointing one to concede from an Oxford perspective. Defender Michael Ihiekwe started and finished the move, bringing the ball out from his own half. Eventually, the cross came in from Michael Smith and was met by Matt Crooks before Ihiekwe beat Simon Eastwood to the ball.
Rotherham then got a foothold in the game, but half time came at the right time for Oxford. After the restart, despite a slow start, the U’s regained the lead when Oxford-born striker Matt Taylor headed in his fourth U’s goal from close range.
Eastwood was rarely tested after that, and Fosu hit the post in stoppage time, but it was another deserved three points for Karl Robinson’s side.
How Long Can Oxford Remain Unbeaten?
Karl Robinson’s side welcome mid-table Rochdale to the Kassam next weekend, with the Greater Manchester side having won their last two games, but that shouldn’t deter Oxford, who would expect another three points from that fixture.
The U’s then welcome Sunderland in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, and the Black Cats form certainly isn’t promotion form.
Oxford then travel to an underperforming Portsmouth, again believing they can get something from the game, before welcoming table-topping Ipswich Town in what could be their biggest test this season.
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