Oxford United had a good results over the last seven days and it ended with the club securing their Championship status for another season.
The U’s drew at relegation rivals Cardiff in what was a bad result at the time with every other side below them picking up three points, but Gary Rowett’s side picked up the all important win over Sunderland in the final home game of the campaign.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Cardiff Point and Sunderland Win Ensures Second Season in the Championship
Point in the Welsh Capital
Gary Rowett’s side began the week with a draw on the road at relegation rivals Cardiff.
The U’s didn’t put in a good performance against the Bluebirds and fell behind early in the second half but a sensational strike from Cameron Brannagan earned a fortuitous point.
All the teams around them picked up wins so Oxford headed into their final home game of the season against Sunderland just three points clear of the drop.
Oxford United Avoid the Drop With Statement Win Over Sunderland
But the U’s secured their Championship status with a 2-0 win at home against Sunderland.
It was a brilliant performance from Gary Rowett’s side with goals from Ben Nelson and Michal Helik in each half.
Oxford knew a win in this game would keep their second tier status alive, despite results elsewhere.
‘I’m Super Proud of the Effort That Everyone’s Made’
Speaking after the game, Gary Rowett said: “I’m just super proud of everyone at the club. When you look at the atmosphere in the stadium, I think first of all, that was incredible.
“I thought the energy was right up there with anything. It might not be the biggest stadium in the world, but it’s been right up there with any club I’ve been at.
“The crowd got behind us right away, which made such a huge difference. The players could easily have found it a difficult game and maybe freeze a little bit, and not play with that sort of freedom, but I thought we actually played really well, particularly early on in the game.
On the challenge of keeping the U’s in the Championship, Rowett said: “I thought it would be a massive task if I’m being honest because when I first came in, it looked like it would probably be the hardest one that I’ve had in terms of trying to do it.
“I’m super proud of the effort that everyone’s made. I’m not a big one for talking about myself necessarily. It’s more about the group, and the effort and the energy from all the staff, and that’s what it’s all about at clubs like this.
“It’s about everybody mucking in and everyone being together, and everyone being positive. It’s been a fantastic group effort which I’m really proud of.”
