Things appear to be going from bad to worse for Des Buckingham and his Oxford United side.
The U’s managed a win on Boxing Day but injuries have begun to take their toll with Oxford blowing a two-goal lead before losing against Derby.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Boxing Day Win Overshadowed by Derby Defeat
Oxford Deliver Knockout Blow on Boxing Day
Having lost to a stoppage-time goal last time out against Northampton, Oxford recorded a last-minute goal to take the win at home against Cambridge.
The visitors took the lead at Grenoble Road with another set-piece goal but Tyler Goodrham levelled with a sensational solo effort.
But deep in stoppage time, a long-range effort from Cameron Brannagan was only parried by former Oxford goalkeeper Jack Stevens before Ciaron Brown bundled the ball home.
600 Career Appearances for James Henry
Against Cambridge, Oxford midfielder James Henry celebrated his 600th career appearance.
The 34-year-old, who joined the U’s in 2017, has turned out 249 times for the club but his career began back in 2007 when he made his professional debut for Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder has turned out for Reading, Bournemouth, Norwich and Millwall before joining Wolves in 2013.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “It was a wonderful feeling to get that milestone out of the way.
“I knew I needed that one more game to get to 600 and to achieve it in front of a sold-out crowd and for the team to win in the way we did made it a really special day.
“I wasn’t expecting them to announce it when I came on but I thank the club for that and I thank the fans for the reception they gave me. The win was the most important thing but it will be nice to be able to look back and say I played 600 games
“I hit 500 career games here at Oxford and then passed 200 for the club so it’s nice to keep ticking things off. I’ve had to be patient this season. I was rehabbing all summer after a hamstring injury, got myself fit and did the whole pre-season but then got an achilles injury, followed by a foot injury. So it is only now that I’ve really got up to speed again.
“It took a couple of games but it has been great to be involved again. There are a lot of games coming up and I’m looking forward to Derby on Friday now and hopefully playing a part again.
“We have worked hard to get ourselves into this position in the league and we don’t want to waste the great opportunity we have given ourselves. They don’t come around very often so you have to keep working and keep the progress going that you see in everything the club is doing right now.”
Read More: Oxford United Injury Crisis: Seven First Team Players Out
Oxford United Look Sheepish as the Rams Comeback Against the U’s
Oxford took a two-goal lead against promotion rivals Derby but ended up losing the game 3-2.
An early Cameron Brannagan penalty was followed soon after with a brilliant free kick from the midfielder to double the hosts’ advantage but the Rams pulled one back before the break.
The visitors would then score two more times in the final ten minutes to pick up a vital three points.
Blackburn Interested in Oxford Loanee
Blackburn Rovers are interested in signing Brentford full-back, Fin Stevens, according to Football League World.
The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Oxford after joining from the Bees in the summer and has made 26 appearances for the U’s.
However, the Premier League club may be looking to offer him another chance at Championship football following a short spell at Swansea last season.
Following the injury to Sam Long, Stevens is the club’s only recognised right back so to lose him in the January transfer window would be a major blow.
