Oxford United picked up what could be the most important three points of the season with a win over relegation rivals, West Brom.
The U’s scored twice in the first half and although the Baggies reduced the deficit before the break, Matt Bloomfield’s side held on to move within three points of the West Midlands club.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Welcome West Brom
Oxford United Win Against West Brom
Quick Start
Whoever got the first goal in the vital relegation battle would feel they would go on to get the three points.
With the U’s having failed to win, or even score, at home under Bloomfield, there was significant relief when Stan Mills headed home from an Oxford corner after just 13 minutes.
12 minutes later and it was another set piece that led to Oxford’s second when Will Lankshear nodded home a Cameron Brannagan free kick.
West Brom reduced the deficit on the half-hour mark with a deflected shot that wrong-footed Jamie Cumming, but the U’s goalkeeper wouldn’t be tested again.
Defensive Solidity and Off the Ball Progress
Oxford’s backline, which included a late change with Michal Helik replacing Christmas Makosso before kick-off, was solid throughout.
Jack Currie continues to get better down the left while Sam Long won several balls and helped the U’s up the pitch from the right.
Ciaron Brown and Helik looked solid in the middle, with the duo missing just five of their 16 aerial duels.
The Baggies had 70 per cent possession in this game but Oxford’s off-the-ball tactics and ability were on point.
The U’s were organised, structured and were never fazed when their opponents had the ball.
Scores Elsewhere
When you’re near the bottom, other teams often pick up wins when you do but it was the perfect weekend for Oxford where other results are concerned.
In the early kickoffs, there were defeats for Leicester, Blackburn and Portsmouth while Charlton also lost in their 3 o’clock fixture.
Oxford need to use this momentum when they travel to Preston on Friday night intending to pick up three points and move out of the relegation zone for the first time since November.
Featured image courtesy of SmartFrame/News Images
