Oxford United came out on top in more ways than one in the opening week of the new month.
Striker Mark Harris picked up the League One Player of the Month award for April before the U’s picked up a 1-0 victory over Peterborough in their playoff semi-final first leg.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Harris Award and Playoff Victory
Duo Nominated for Monthly Award
On Wednesday, striker Mark Harris and head coach Des Buckingham were nominated for Player and Manager of the Month for April.
Buckingham led the U’s to four wins from six, picking up 13 points and while scoring 16 goals. Of course, it ended with the club finishing in the playoff places.
As for Harris, netted six goals from those fixtures, including the opener in the crunch game against Exeter last time out.
Harris Claims Player of the Month
Those six goals would prove enough for Harris to claim April’s Player of the Month award.
Speaking about his award, he said: “Absolutely delighted to win this award. It was a great month for me and the team as we managed to get over the line and into playoffs.
“Personally, it’s always nice to get the goals when it matters at the business end of the season and I want to take that form into the upcoming semi-finals, and hopefully a final.
“I said at the start of the season that I want to hit 20 goals and I’m one off, so hopefully I can reach that target to help us get to Wembley.
“The main thing is the team, and we are all looking forward to some massive games against Peterborough and we are all desperate to make it to Wembley and then the Championship.”
Playoffs Advantage for Oxford United
Oxford head into the League One playoff semi-final second leg with a narrow lead.
Skipper Elliott Moore netted the only goal of the game shortly after the restart in a fairly even contest at Grenoble Road on Saturday.
Keeping a clean sheet will be a massive boost for Des Buckingham’s side as they know another shutout on Wednesday night will result in a match at Wembley at the end of the month.
