In this week’s Oxford United round-up, the U’s picked up another three points while the club’s potential new stadium received positive backing.
Elsewhere, they made it through to the final of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup but they suffered yet more injury setbacks before another bout of covid affected the squad.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Promotion Charge in Full Swing and Stadium News Boost
New Stadium Plans Receive Majority Backing
Oxford United’s proposed move to Stratfield Brake has obtained positive backing ahead of a meeting next week.
Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet is commended to allow the club to enter negotiations over the land, in which the club are looking to build an 18,000 capacity stadium, community and sports grounds and hotel, retail and conference facilities.
Following a four-week public consultation, 80 per cent of the 3,740 responses voted in favour of the move.
This will be taken into account when the cabinet meets on Tuesday morning.
A statement by the club read: “We strongly believe that our aspirations for the site can not only meet, but significantly exceed the priorities of Oxfordshire’s Fair Deal Alliance and this decision will form an important first step in securing the future of a much-loved community asset, one that is anchored in the heart of Oxfordshire’s sporting and cultural legacy.
“We wish to thank our fans, local residents and stakeholders for participating in what was a far-reaching and thorough consultation.
“Whilst support amongst the fanbase could be argued to be expected, it is worth noting that over a third of residents directly local to the proposed site who participated in the consultation also expressed their support.
“The club thanks all who responded to the consultation and looks forward to directly addressing points raised as we work through the next steps of the process, including as part of the eventual pre-application consultation process.
“As we have stated before, should cabinet choose to move forward with their officer’s recommendation, this is merely the first step in a long road, and we look forward to working in tandem with our fans, local residents and community stakeholders to bring forward our proposals in a manner which matches our aspirations for the club whilst also minimises any potential impact to local residents.”
Oxford United Through to Oxfordshire Senior Cup Final
A strong U’s side made it through to the final of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup with a 2-0 victory over Thame United.
Simon Eastwood, Anthony Forde, Steve Seddon, and Marcus McGuane were some of the first-team squad that played but it was youngsters Adam Smith and Tyler Goodrham that found themselves on the scoresheet.
For Oxford, it is their first final appearance since 2017 and they will face the winners of the match between Oxford City and North Leigh.
Baldock Ruled Out
Striker Sam Baldock has joined Marcus Browne on the injury list after the striker picked up a knee problem during Oxford’s win over Burton Albion.
The forward has impressed since his arrival last month, scoring four goals, but could be absent for a number of weeks.
Speaking to iFollow, U’s boss Karl Robinson said: “With Marcus, we always knew we were going to see the best of him next season but hopefully the injury heals quickly and he can still play a part for us this season.
“The same with Sam who has done brilliantly for us. We will re-scan them both in two weeks and know a bit more about how long they will need before they are involved again.
“They are very good players and can hopefully have an impact at the end of the season but don’t forget we were in good form and fifth in the league when they joined so we believe we have the depth of squad and quality of player to cope with most situations.”
Scrappy Win Over Shrewsbury
The U’s continued their promotion charge with a scrappy victory on the road at Shrewsbury Town.
Robinson’s depleted looking side side took an early lead through Matty Taylor but a makeshift backline conceded an equaliser on the hour mark.
However, and not for the first time this season, Oxford scored late from a Cameron Brannagan penalty to secure another vital three points.
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