Oxford United secured back to back wins this week to make it four successive victories in all competitions. The U’s saw off Tottenham Hotspur U21s on Tuesday night before picking up three points against Morecambe on Saturday.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Papa John’s Elimination But Sixth Spot in League One
U’s Bow Out of Papa John’s Trophy Despite Win Over Spurs
It may have been a night of firsts but Oxford have been knocked out of the Football League Trophy despite a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur U21s on Tuesday.
The U’s took an early lead with Joel Cooper netting his first goal for the club but Dane Scarlett levelled from the penalty spot after a foul by Luke McNally.
A first turned into a second shortly after as Cooper netted again for the hosts before Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, who was making his 99th Oxford appearance, netted his first U’s goal from open play.
However, McNally was dismissed for a second time in the competition after picking up another yellow card with just 15 minutes remaining before Jack Clarke scored late on for Spurs.
Despite a first win in the three group games, Oxford were eliminated from the competition for the first time at the opening round since the change of format in 2017.
Oxford United: 128-Years-Old
On Wednesday, the club celebrated its 128th birthday. There have been several ups and downs during that period; from winning back to back promotions from Division Three to Division One in 1984 to lifting the Milk Cup in 1986, and suffering relegation into non-league in 2006 and losing three Wembley finals.
Robinson Returns
Having missed the last three games after testing positive for coronavirus, U’s boss Karl Robinson returned to training on Thursday. Naturally, he was delighted to be back.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “I feel fine now. I was a bit tired after today’s training but that’s to be expected and I am really looking forward to the game now.
“I watched the three games. The first one I was exhausted after, but that was the early days when I was struggling with the illness. On Saturday it was much better and then by Tuesday night, I was just frustrated not to be there in person because I felt fine. But I’ve come back today, loved being on the training pitches again and can’t wait to get back to the match on Saturday.”
Fourth Successive Victory as Oxford Win Against Morecambe
Oxford made it a fourth win in succession with a 3-1 victory over Morecambe at Grenoble Road. The U’s took the lead through Steve Seddon before James Henry was presented with an opportunity to double the lead from the spot on his 200th club appearance, but the midfielder blazed over.
Shortly after, Robinson’s side were punished when Cole Stockton levelled. However, the U’s regrouped and restored their lead through Mark Sykes before Matty Taylor added a third late on.
Oxford remain in sixth place in League One, six points behind league leaders Plymouth Argyle.
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