Oxford United have secured just their second win of 2020 but recorded it in style with a 5-0 thumping against AFC Wimbledon.
First half goals from Matty Taylor and Nathan Holland put the U’s in control, before the duo completed their respected braces after James Henry added a third. The U’s move up to 10th, now five points off the playoffs.
Your #oufc XI tonight: pic.twitter.com/TIS7MvuWT5
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) February 18, 2020
Karl Robinson made two changes from the side that lost against Sunderland last time out with Holland and Marcus Browne coming in, replacing Dan Agyei, who dropped back to the bench, and John Mousinho who picked up a knock against the Black Cats.
Simon Eastwood sat behind a back four of Josh Ruffels, Elliott Moore Rob Dickie and Anthony Forde.
Cameron Brannagan, Mark Sykes, and Browne were the central three, with Holland and Henry out wide, while Taylor led the line.
Oxford were determined to secure all three points right from the off. Inside the opening minute, Taylor and Holland combined but Sykes was unable to keep his header down.
The Northern Irishman then had a penalty appeal waved away, but Robinson would have been happy with the start from his side.
Browne and Brannagan were bossing the midfield and it was only a matter of time before the hosts would take the lead. However, Joe Day was on hand to deny Taylor twice within five minutes, but the signs were there.
Taylor had a third opportunity after half an hour after he took the ball round Day, but the striker took too long and the chance had gone.
But two minutes later and the hosts got their just deserves. Anthony Forde’s deflected cross was laid off by Sykes for Henry and from his low cross, Taylor could slot home from close range.
Then two minutes later, the U’s deservedly doubled their lead. Sykes was involved again and he gave it to Holland who was able to strike home his first-ever Football League goal.
Just ten minutes after the restart, Oxford added a third. Browne ran out from his own half before finding Henry expertly, who cleverly dinked the ball over Day for his 12th goal of the season.
Moments later it was four when Moore’s header found Holland to tuck home his second of the evening, and it could have been five when Browne smashed the bar with a superb strike from 20-yards.
The U’s saw their tempo slow down with an important fixture at Ipswich at the weekend but Day still needed to envy Brannagan and Agyei.
But the Dons keeper was unable to stop Taylor in stoppage time when the Bristol City loanee met Henry’s cross to secure a vital three points.
