Oxford United kicked off their Carabao Cup campaign this week before playing their first home match of the new season. While Liam Manning’s side suffered a heavy defeat against Bristol City in the week, they bounced back to pick up their first points of the season with a win over Carlisle United.
Also this week, the U’s have been linked with a loan move for a Premier League striker but their main midfielder has been touted with a move away, with a Championship club showing interest.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Cup Exit, League Win and Branna-Gone?
U’s Show Interest in Premier League Striker
Oxford were one of several clubs interested in a loan move for Crystal Palace forward, John-Kymani Gordon.
This was according to Pete O’Rourke who added that Burton Albion, Fleetwood Town, Bradford Town and Belgian outfit RWD Molenbeek were also showing interest.
The 20-year-old is yet to make a senior appearance for the Eagles, having come through their youth academy but spent the second half of last season on loan at Carlisle United.
During his time at Brunton Park, Gordon netted twice from 15 league appearances as the Cumbrians won promotion to League One.
Heavy Defeat in Carabao Cup for Oxford United
Oxford’s Carabao Cup run ended in the first round with a 5-1 defeat on the road at Bristol City.
The hosts took an early lead but Billy Bodin levelled the score on the half-hour mark.
However, just five minutes later, the Robins restored their lead before adding a third just two minutes into the second half, with all three goals very similar in how they came about.
The hosts would net a further two as Oxford looked inept of ideas on the night.
Talisman Linked With Move Away
Midfielder Cameron Brannagan is a transfer target for Bristol City, according to Darren Witcoop.
The Robins are looking to bolster their squad following Alex Scott’s big-money move to Bournemouth.
Witcoop claims that the Championship outfit are showing interest in Brannagan, along with Bolton Wanderers’ George Thomason.
Brannagan has been subject to interest from Championship clubs in recent seasons, particularly Blackpool who saw several offers rejected by the U’s before another was accepted, but the midfielder turned it down and penned a new contract at Oxford.
Young Oxford United Defender Joins Dartford on Loan
Young defender James Golding has joined National League South side Dartford on a one-month youth loan.
The Republic of Ireland U19 international, who turned 19 earlier in the week, has previously enjoyed a successful loan spell at Banbury United.
First Win of the Season
Oxford picked up their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Carlisle United.
Summer signing Mark Harris netted his first competitive goal for the U’s just 15 minutes from time to get his goal tally and Oxford off the mark for the campaign.
It was important, not only for the U’s to get off the mark but also to keep a clean sheet, having conceded seven goals from their opening two matches of the season.
Featured image: Steve Daniels. CC BY-SA 2.0
