It was another mixed month for Oxford United with Gary Rowett’s side winning once, drawing once and suffering three defeats.
Oxford United March Round-Up: Relegation Battle Continues
Defeat But Goals
Oxford began the month with a 3-2 defeat at home against Frank Lampard’s Coventry. The U’s fell behind early but Ole Romeny netted his first Oxford goal after the restart. However, the Sky Blues restored their lead shortly after before Elliott Moore headed home a second equaliser. Unfortunately, Gary Rowett’s side were unable to hold on after conceding a third, despite a penalty save by Jamie Cumming.
The U’s responded to a third straight defeat with a vital point at Norwich. Josh Sargent gave the Canaries an early lead but Mark Harris ended his goal drought with a clever strike shortly after. There was late pressure from the hosts but Jamie Cumming but in another top display between the sticks.
Despite their promising display at Norwich, Gary Rowett’s side were hit with a disappointing defeat at relegation-rivals, Hull. Michal Helik gave the U’s the lead in the second half, but two quick-fire goals from the hosts turned the game around.
However, Oxford bounced back before the international break to pick up a first win in ten with a 1-0 victory over Watford. Siriki Dembele netted his first U’s goal late on at Grenoble Road.
International Break
It was a mixed bag for the Oxford players who were away on international duty. Ole Romeny made his debut for Indonesia and netted twice from their two games, while Marselino Ferdinan also featured. Ciaron Brown played successive 90 minutes in Northern Ireland’s friendlies against Switzerland and Sweden, respectively. However, Ben Nelson played 90 minutes for the England Elite squad in the opening fixture but was unused in the second, while Mark Harris played just 28 minutes for Wales before being an unused substitute against North Macedonia.
Oxford ended the month with a narrow defeat at Middlesbrough. Helik opened the scoring for the U’s but Michael Carrick’s side hit back twice in the second half to turn the game around.
