Another busy week has come to an end with Oxford United picking up another three points in an entertaining game against Portsmouth.
This week’s round-up also includes transfer deadline day, a match against Wigan Athletic and a new addition following the closure of the transfer window.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Deadline Day and Four Points From Two Tough Games
Deadline Day
Oxford United brought in three new players on deadline day. First, former loanee Marcus Browne arrived on a permanent basis from Middlesbrough before the U’s snapped up Northern Ireland U21 midfielder Oisin Smyth from the NIFL Premiership.
Following the return of Jordan Thorniley to his parent club Blackpool last week, defensive reinforcements were key and with time running out, Karl Robinson added Cardiff City defender Ciaron Brown.
Not only was bringing new additions important but keeping hold of existing players was also paramount. Having been the subject of interest from Blackpool all throughout the transfer window, Cameron Brannagan remained a target for the Seasiders. However, the U’s rejected two separate bids from the Championship club.
Fellow midfielder Mark Sykes was next to be linked with a move away but the club rejected an offer from promotion rivals Wigan.
Draw Against The Latics
On Tuesday, Oxford travelled to second-placed Wigan and picked up a vital point. The Latics, who headed into the game on a 19-game unbeaten run, fell behind to a goal of the season contender when Matty Taylor finished off a brilliant counterattack.
However, the hosts levelled before the break and were the better side after the restart. Despite that, the U’s held on for an important away point.
Oxford United U18s Win in EFL Youth Alliance South West
Oxford United’s U18 side eased past Bristol Rovers in the EFL Youth Alliance South West.
A brace from top scorer Gatlin O’Donkor and another from Elijah Coe sealed the win for the U’s, who also saw striker Adam Smith dismissed early on.
Sam Baldock Joins the U’s
The transfer window may have closed but it didn’t stop Oxford United from adding to their ranks when out-of-contract striker Sam Baldock became the latest recruit.
The 32-year-old became a free agent following his release from Derby County and he joins the U’s until the end of the season.
Oxford fans will be pleased with the name, given his brother George had two successful loan spells with the club while his other brother James is part of the club’s medical team.
Amazing Comeback Against Pompey
For the second successive home game, Oxford came from behind to win 3-2. The U’s took and early lead against Portsmouth through Luke McNally but the visitors found a quick reply.
However, Pompey were reduced to ten men after just 15 minutes but, despite the numerical disadvantage, they took the lead shortly after the restart.
But this Oxford side don’t throw in the towel and two late wonderful strikes from Brannagan and Nathan Holland sealed yet another impressive victory.
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