Historic Night for Oxford United
OXFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Sam Winnall of Oxford United celebrates with teammates Liam Kelly and Olamide Shodipo after scoring their team's first goal during the Papa John's Trophy Quarter-Final match between Oxford United and AFC Wimbledon at Kassam Stadium on February 02, 2021 in Oxford, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
Last night’s 3-1 win over AFC Wimbledon in Football League Trophy was a historic one for Oxford United. Not only did Sam Winnall score his first two goals for the club since his arrival in the summer, but the U’s set a club record ninth-successive win in all competitions.
For Winnall, it was a perfect example of what he is all about. Similarly to Matty Taylor, the striker will score goals if the service is there. The 30-year-old always got to the right positions and caused the defence problems all night.
His first goal was one of quality. The ball was played out to Josh Ruffels on the left and the full-back whipped in a tantalising cross which was met by the head of Winnall.
While his first was about the finish, the second was about positioning. Mark Sykes played the ball to Mide Shodipo who cut back from the byline and Winnall was there to poke home from six yards.
Shodipo also netted himself in the second half, scoring his ninth goal of an impressive loan spell. Winnall could have added a third but his effort flew just past the post.
Although the Dons scored, it was a confident display from the U’s. Since their derby defeat to Swindon in late November, Oxford have gone 13 games unbeaten and have recorded a club record winning run of nine successive games.
Oxford Results Since Swindon Loss
Oxford 0-0 Ipswich Town (League One)
Oxford 1-1 Hull City (League One)
Oxford 1-1 Forest Green Rovers (EFL Trophy – Oxford won 4-1 on penalties)
Blackpool 0-0 Oxford (League One)
Oxford 4-0 Northampton Town (League One)
Oxford 2-0 AFC Wimbledon (League One)
Plymouth Argyle 2-3 Oxford (League One)
Burton Albion 1-5 Oxford United (League One)
Oxford 1-0 Cambridge United (EFL Trophy)
Oxford 2-0 Bristol Rovers (League One)
Rochdale 3-4 Oxford (League One)
Oxford 1-0 Fleetwood Town (League One)
Oxford 3-1 AFC Wimbledon (EFL Trophy)