Oxford United took to the field for the first time under Des Buckingham this week but it ended in defeat at Cheltenham.
We’ll also bring you a recap of the U’s players that featured during the international break while a defender was also recalled from his loan spell.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: International Duty, Defender Recall and Debut Defeat for Des
International Round-Up
Four Oxford United players featured for their respective nations during the recent international break.
Ciaron Brown was an unused sub as Northern Ireland lost against Finland but played the full 90 minutes in a 2-0 win over Denmark.
Fin Stevens captained Wales U21s in both a 1-0 win over Iceland and 2-1 defeat against Denmark while James Beadle featured in a 3-2 win over Germany and 3-0 loss against Italy for the England U20s.
Greg Leigh played the full 90 minutes as Jamaica lost 2-1 in the first leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Canada. However, his side won 3-2 in the second leg to qualify for the Copa America, with the defender playing the full game. Despite the amazing comeback, Leigh was substituted in injury time and would miss Saturday’s game at Cheltenham through injury.
Oxford United Defender Recalled From Loan Spell With National League Club
Oxford defender James Golding was been recalled from his loan spell at National League side, Maidenhead.
The 19-year-old, who joined the club in September, was recalled by new head coach, Des Buckingham.
On the decision, Buckingham said: “James has been well looked after at Maidenhead, been playing well and it has been great experience for him.
“But I think it’s important to have a look at as many players as I can right now.
“People speak very highly of him here and James now has the same chance as everyone else in the squad to train hard, push on and show what he can do.”
Defeat for Des at Cheltenham
Des Buckingham’s first game in charge ended in defeat on the road at strugglers Cheltenham.
The hosts raced into the game and took the lead ten minutes before the break, but went into half-time a man down.
However, after the restart, Oxford saw Ruben Rodrigues pick up a second yellow before the Robins added a second goal.
The defeat saw the U’s drop to third ahead of a home game against the new league leaders, Bolton.
