It was another bad week for the Oxford United senior side as they suffered another two damaging defeats.
Meanwhile, the youth teams continued to impress in the FA Youth Cup, and there was a new deal for a U’s defender.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Two More Losses Overshadow Youth Team Achievements
Winless Run Continues
Oxford’s winless run stretched to six games with a 3-1 defeat at home to table-topping Plymouth Argyle.
The U’s fell behind in the first half but levelled through top scorer Cameron Brannagan on the stroke of half time.
However, the Pilgrims netted twice in the second half, with the third coming in stoppage time, meaning Karl Robinson’s side have picked up just one point from a possible 18.
History Made for Oxford United U18s
It was another historical night for Oxford’s U18s as they reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup for the first time in their history.
The young U’s will now travel to Manchester City after an early goal from Enrique Tiamuna and a brace from Gatlin O’Connor sealed a 3-0 win over Leeds United at Grenoble Road.
New Deal for Oxford United Defender
Oxford United defender Sam Long has penned a new three-year deal with the club.
The 28-year-old, who made his 200th U’s appearance in the recent draw at MK Dons, has been with the club since the age of nine and progressed through the youth academies before making his senior debut in 2013.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “I had no hesitation at all.
“I am proud to play for the club, the fans have been amazing with me and I want to be part of the success that we are all aiming for here.
“I’m from Bicester so it’s my local club and I was a fan even before I signed.
“It’s incredible to think of how far we have come as a club over the last few years. We know it has been tough over the last few weeks but we’ll turn it round and hopefully, that starts at Cambridge on Saturday.”
Karl Robinson added: “Sam is an outstanding character. Fans love him because he plays with his heart on his sleeve and never gives you less than total commitment.
“This season alone he has played in every position in the backline and it has been a pleasure to work with him and see him mature as a footballer but also off the pitch where he has a young family and has become one of the senior players at the club.”
Young Duo Switch
U’s youngster Slavi Spasov has joined Banbury United on loan, while defender James Golding returns to the club after a loan spell with the Puritans.
Spasov has spent time at Banbury before but returned to Oxford after picking up an injury.
Another Damaging Defeat
Oxford returned to the pitch on Saturday but the result was also a similar outcome to recent weeks.
The U’s lost 1-0 at strugglers Cambridge United, with Robinson changing personnel and formation – a move which backfired.
Oxford are now just seven points clear of the drop as a result of just six defeats from their last seven games.
