Oxford’s month began with defeat at promotion rivals Plymouth. The U’s saw an early penalty decision rescinded after the linesman wrongly ruled that Gavin Whyte was offside in the build-up before Plymouth netted in the second half with their only effort on target. The result saw Oxford drop out of the playoffs.
The U’s then suffered another defeat at the hands of strugglers Morecambe. Despite taking an early lead through Matty Taylor, individual errors allowed the hosts to score twice before the break. Oxford ended the game with 20 shots on goal and 71 per cent possession but were unable to find a way through.
A third defeat followed with a 2-1 loss against another promotion rival, Sunderland. The Black Cats took an early lead but the U’s levelled when the returning Elliott Moore headed home a Bodin free-kick. However, despite a dominant second half for Oxford, Sunderland netted the winner in the 89th minute to move four points above the U’s with a game in hand.
With Oxford in need of points from their remaining games to keep their playoff hopes alive, they managed to pick up a maximum with their first-ever win in the Football League away at Fleetwood. Goals inside 16 minutes from Nathan Holland, Cameron Brannagan and Bodin meant the U’s looked comfortable but the Cod Army scored either side of the break to reduce the deficit. Oxford held on, despite seeing a Fleetwood attempt cleared off the line.
The U’s followed up the Fleetwood win with a 1-0 success over promotion rivals MK Dons. However, the visitors could have been out of sight by the break with Oxford failing to have a single shot on goal. But after the restart, the U’s looked hungry and began to get themselves into the game. That said, it needed an 86th-minute strike from Bodin to secure the points.
Oxford were unable to continue their run and their playoff hopes ended with defeat at Rotherham. The U’s took an early lead but were pegged back in first-half stoppage time. Luke McNally conceded a penalty after the restart and the U’s were unable to find a way back into the game. Results elsewhere meant a top-six finish is out of the question with one game remaining, despite surpassing last season’s points tally.
Ahead of Oxford’s final game of the season against Doncaster, U’s skipper Elliott Moore was linked with a move to Bristol City. The 25-year-old was watched by Robins boss Nigel Pearson in the win over MK Dons. The defender, who is out of contract in the summer (although the club have an option to extend his deal by 12 months), has worked under Pearson at Leicester City and OH Leuven in Belgium.
More transfer rumours began to circle with reports suggesting that Brannagan was subject to interest from several Championship clubs. QPR, Sheffield United, Stoke City, Preston and Blackpool are all keen on signing the 25-year-old, who is entering the final 12 months of his contract. However, the midfielder has also stated that he would like to remain at the club. Only time will tell.
Mark Sykes was the next player to be linked with a move away. Following reports that Robins boss Nigel Pearson was in attendance to watch Moore, new claims emerged stating he was casting an eye on Mark Sykes. The 24-year-old is out of contract in the summer and talks with the U’s are yet to come to fruition.
Oxford ended the season unceremoniously with a 1-1 draw against relegated side, Doncaster. In a much-changed lineup, Billy Bodin put the U’s ahead but Donny levelled after the break. Oxford were unable to find a winner and the campaign in eighth place on 76 points.
