It was a mixed bags of results for Oxford United over the last month but it ended with the U’s securing their second tier status.
Oxford United April Round-Up
Mixed Results
Oxford began the month with an impressive victory over league leaders, Sheffield United. Siriki Dembele netted the only goal of the game before the break, with the U’s throwing their bodies on the line defensively for much of the second half.
However, Gary Rowett’s side were brought back down to earth with a frustrating 3-1 defeat at home against QPR. In what was arguably one of the worst first half performances this season, the U’s headed into the break two goals down. Stan Mills for reduce the deficit but the visitors added a third late on. The U’s also lost Ciaron Brown and Hidde ter Avest to injury.
The U’s bounced back from that disappointing defeat against QPR with a 1-0 win on the road at Sheffield Wednesday. Sam Long, who was one of six changes, headed home from another Will Vaulks long throw with just over ten minutes remaining.
The pattern continued with Oxford then following a win up with a defeat. This time it came against league leaders Leeds but it was a battling display at Grenoble Road, losing narrowly.
Oxford went into their relegation six pointer away at Cardiff and rescued a vital point. Results elsewhere all went against the U’s and the Welsh side and it looked worse when the hosts took the lead, but a Cameron Brannagan free kick from 35 yards earned a draw.
The U’s ended the month by ensuring Championship football for another season. Goals in each half from Ben Nelson and Michal Helik secured a 2-0 win over playoff-heading Sunderland.
