Oxford United have made it six wins in succession for the first time since 1994 with a rare win over Bristol Rovers.
The U’s had recorded just two wins from the last 13 minutes against the Gas, but it was a former player in Matty Taylor who secured the win with two top goals.
Taylor now has 11 goals for the season and six in his last five outings.
Here's how #oufc line-up today: pic.twitter.com/bYlCqAov9j
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) January 23, 2021
Karl Robinson made just one change from the U’s last league game – a 5-1 win at Burton Albion three weeks ago – with Liam Kelly returning from suspension to replace Anthony Forde.
Jack Stevens started in goal behind a back four of Josh Ruffels, Rob Atkinson, Elliott Moore and Sam Long.
Alex Rodriguez Gorrin sat behind Marcus McGuane and Kelly, with Mide Shodipo and James Henry as the wingers. Taylor started up front against his former club.
It was a nervy start from the U’s who struggled to get a foothold on the game in the early exchanges. To make matters worse, Robinson was forced into an early change after just 15 minutes when Cameron Brannagan replaced the injured McGuane.
Despite the change of personnel, the U’s began to take control of the game. Shodipo did well with a cross but Ruffels’ header lacked power.
The two combined again down the Oxford left moments later before teeing up Brannagan but he was unable to get the shot away.
As the game started to open up, The Gas started to create chances, but Brandon Hanlan, in particular, was unable to get past the U’s defence.
Then, on the half-hour mark, Taylor netted the opener against his former club. The corner was played deep, nodded back in by Long and flicked into Taylor’s path by Moore for his tenth goal of the season.
Moments later, Henry nicked the ball but his cross was out of reach of Taylor.
Just before the break, Taylor was unable to keep his effort down from a corner as the U’s ended the half with the lead.
After the restart, Abu Ogogo was presented with a terrific chance for an equaliser after the ball deflected into his path, but he scuffed his volley wide.
The U’s won a corner a few minutes later through Shodipo, but Kelly’s fierce strike was deflected over the bar. The resulting set-piece was headed away.
Max Ehmer then volleyed over for the visitors following some good play from Hanlan, while Shodipo’s effort was charged down at the other end.
But it wasn’t long before Oxford and Taylor added a second. The former Rovers striker beat the offside trap and calmly placed the ball under Joe Day.
Taylor was unable to find a third goal as he was replaced by Sam Winnall moments later, while Jordan Obita came on for Henry.
Rovers immediately looked for a response and it took a fingertip save from Stevens to deny Hanlan a comeback goal. The 23-year-old was causing Oxford problems in the last ten minutes, but the goal just wasn’t coming for Rovers.
A deep Ruffels cross found Dan Agyei, but the substitute was unable to keep his header down. Obita then whipped a cross into the box but Winnall couldn’t reach it.
Deep in stoppage time, Hanlan was presented with another opportunity but his effort was straight at Stevens from just ten yards out.
The U’s held on and moved up to 11th with the win.
