Oxford United recorded back to back wins for the first time since February with a 4-1 victory over Shrewsbury Town. Goals from Rob Atkinson and Elliot Lee gave the U’s a 2-0 lead at half time before the Shrews pulled one back through Harry Chapman.
But second-half strikes from Matty Taylor and Sam Long secured successive three points, moving the U’s up to seventh in League One, just three points behind Portsmouth.
Here’s how #oufc start against Shrewsbury. pic.twitter.com/qXXX0dXzBl
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) April 13, 2021
Karl Robinson kept the same 11 that started the 6-0 win at Crewe last time out. Jack Stevens began in goal behind a four of Josh Ruffels, Atkinson, Elliott Moore and Long – who penned a new long term deal on Monday.
Cameron Brannagan sat deep behind Mark Sykes and James Henry. Brandon Barker and Lee were the wide men while Taylor continued up top.
Despite naming an unchanged side for the first time this season, Robinson was forced into making a change inside ten minutes with Barker unable to continue.
The U’s started to gain confidence and found the lead shortly after. Henry delivered a wicked corner which was met by Atkinson for his first Oxford goal.
The pair came close to adding a second ten minutes later but Atkinson didn’t make a true connection.
Although the hosts were in control, they had to wait until just before the break to add a second. Barker’s replacement Mide Shodipo crossed and Lee cleverly wrong-footed the goalkeeper, Matija Sarkic.
At the other end, Chapman looked lively but Stevens was untested in the Oxford goal. However, he would reduce the deficit shortly after the break, cleverly tapping home from a corner.
Oxford looked to restore their two-goal advantage and came close just after the hour mark but Taylor was unable to lift the ball over Sarkic.
However, three minutes later, Taylor bagged his 15th goal of the season. Henry fed a delicate ball through to the forward and he struck home from a tight angle.
With time running out, United added a fourth. Lee’s free-kick was partially cleared and Long pounced to tuck home.
Shrewsbury struck the post late on but the U’s were good value for the win. Robinson’s side face Gillingham next time out.
