Oxford United ended 2020 with a win and extended their unbeaten record to seven games in all competitions after a 3-2 victory against Plymouth.
The U’s fell behind but were level at the break thanks to Josh Ruffels. Second half goals from Sam Long and Mide Shodipo put the visitors ahead before a late penalty ensured a nervy end.
But Oxford held on and are 15th in the table, six points clear of the bottom four.
Here's your #oufc XI tonight. pic.twitter.com/2stNpRfsR7
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) December 29, 2020
Karl Robinson made three changes from the side that beat AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night. Alex Rodriguez Gorrin was suspended so Jamie Hanson replaced him, Shodipo came in for Jordan Obita on the left of midfield and Dan Agyei replaced Matty Taylor up top after suffering a deal leg against the Dons.
The back five stayed the same with Jack Stevens in goal behind Ruffels, Rob Atkinson, Elliott Moore and Long.
Hanson sat behind Marcus McGuane and Liam Kelly in midfield with Shodipo and James Henry as the wingers and Agyei up top.
For Oxford, it was the first time they had played in front of fans while on the road since March and the 2,000 home supporters urged the Pilgrims onto a strong start.
It took just 12 minutes for Plymouth to take the lead when a quick move ended with a pass to Panutche Camara who slotted home from 12-yards.
After the goal, Robinson switched formation and moved Kelly deep alongside Hanson to try and sure up the defence. But the U’s could have been two goals down if it was for Stevens getting down well to deny Joel Grant.
Kelly then picked up a booking, resulting in a suspension for the game against Burton Albion after the turn of the new year.
But eight minutes before the break, Oxford levelled. A Henry free-kick was whipped into the box and Agyei knocked it into the path of Ruffels who converted from close range.
Ruffels was unfortunate not to add a similar second moments later after Atkinson nodded on from a Hanson delivery, but Michael Cooper was alert to the header and Moore’s follow up was cleared away.
The U’s started the second half brightly. Henry sliced a volley over and saw two attempts blocked within the opening exchanges.
Despite the efforts, he was replaced by Sean Clare and Anthony Forde, who was making just his second league appearance in eight games, came on for Kelly.
Oxford came close again. Forde’s corner was met by Atkinson who saw his header bounce off the ground before being cleared off the line by Joe Edwards. But, shortly after, the U’s took the lead.
Long moved through the defence before playing the ball out to Clare. The full-back had continued his run, Clare found him and he poked home from an acute angle.
Danny Mayor struck over shortly after before Sykes replaced Hanson to make his first league appearance since November.
Eight minutes before full-time, Oxford looked to have secured the win when Shodipo was brought down inside the box by Will Aimson. The QPR loanee stepped up and converted his fourth goal of the season.
But moments later, Long conceded a spot-kick at the other end and top scorer Luke Jephcott reduced the deficit.
The U’s held on, despite a late surge from the hosts, to extend their unbeaten run. Robinson’s side travel to Burton on Saturday with the hosts rock bottom and managerless after a fourth successive league defeat.
