Long Nominated for Player of the Month
OXFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Sam Long of Oxford United runs with the ball during the Sky Bet League One match between Oxford United and Bristol Rovers at the Kassam Stadium on January 23, 2021 in Oxford, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK 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 David Rogers/Getty Images
Oxford United defender Sam Long has been nominated for the League One Player of the Month for April.
The 26-year-old has had a prolific season both in defence and attack and managed to find the net three times in the six games he played last month.
Despite missing the loss at Sunderland through injury, Long netted the fourth in a 4-1 victory over Shrewsbury Town and scored a late brace as the U’s came from two goals down to win 3-2 against Gillingham, to take his tally to six for the season.
Long is up against Blackpool defender Dan Ballard, Burton Albion midfielder Joe Powell and striker Josh Magennis, who turns out for Hull City.
Off the field, the right-back also signed a new long-term deal last month.
Oxford find themselves just one point outside the playoffs with one game remaining. Portsmouth occupy the final playoff spot but the U’s are also level on points with Charlton Athletic.