It’s been another disappointing week for Oxford United with Des Buckingham’s side losing against Barnsley and Bristol Rovers.
Elsewhere, a U’s youngster has left on loan while a fringe goalkeeper has returned to a former club.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Double Defeats and Double Departure
U’s Youngster Joins Conference South Side
Oxford youngster Josh Johnson has joined National League South side, Welling United.
The 19-year-old has managed just seven appearances for the U’s but is yet to make his league debut for the club.
Oxford United Goalkeeper Linked With League of Ireland Return
Ed McGinty was set to rejoin former club Sligo Rovers on loan, according to Neil O’Riordan.
The former Ireland U21 international was wanted by Bohemians and Dundalk ahead of the new campaign but his former club were favourites to sign him.
Defeat Against the Tykes
Oxford suffered yet another home defeat against a promotion rival with a 1-0 loss against Barnsley.
In difficult conditions, the Tykes literally weathered the storm better than the U’s and took the lead midway through the first half.
Oxford, and Cameron Brannagan in particular, had several chances in the second half but failed to find the back of the net.
Return to Former Club for McGinty
McGinty then made a return to his former club, Sligo Rovers.
The 24-year-old, who joined the U’s in the summer of 2022, has managed just three appearances so far so the loan move will present him with some needed game time.
Oxford United vs Northampton Rearranged
Oxford United’s home fixture against Northampton has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 20.
The U’s saw their original fixture postponed due to a frozen pitch.
League Loss Against the Gas
On the pitch, Oxford suffered a second defeat of the week with defeat on the road at Bristol Rovers.
The U’s were two goals down after just 22 minutes and although they reduced the deficit after the break, Rovers restored their two-goal advantage to take all three points.
The result sees Oxford drop out of the playoffs for just the second time since matchday three.
