November has been a frustrating month for Oxford United, both on and off the pitch, but they will take some satisfaction from certain results.
The U’s started with a frustrating draw against League Two side Bristol Rovers in the first round of the FA Cup. Karl Robinson’s side were pegged back twice with late goals in each half after Matty Taylor and Marcus McGuane had put the hosts ahead. A replay would be needed.
However, there would be further bad news after the U’s lost midfielder Alex Rodriguez Gorrin to an ACL injury, which has ruled him out for several months.
Before their match at Ipswich Town, Robinson was shortlisted for the League One Manager of the Month but was pipped by Plymouth boss, Ryan Lowe.
The U’s travelled to Portman Road – a fixture which has produced just one goal from the previous four meetings – and came away with a point after a fourth goalless draw between the sides in League One.
Oxford then travelled to the Memorial Stadium for their FA Cup replay against the Gas. With a changed side, the U’s fell behind just after the restart before substitute Taylor struck home an equalising penalty. The visitors then raced into a two-goal lead within the opening three minutes of extra time but Joey Barton’s side responded with three quick-fire goals after the restart to send them through to the second round, where they will face Sutton United.
Oxford were then due to face Wigan at the DW Stadium but an outbreak of COVID-19 in the Oxford camp wiped out seven first-team players. The club tried to fulfil the fixture but with Simon Eastwood testing positive and Jack Stevens still sidelined, the U’s were left without a goalkeeper.
On the final Tuesday night of the month, a depleted Oxford team ran out 3-1 winners at home against Fleetwood Town. Connal Trueman arrived before kick-off as an emergency loan goalkeeper while Robinson was enforced to play a makeshift back four. Despite that, goals from Luke McNally, Cameron Brannagan and Nathan Holland sealed the win.
Oxford took to the field for the last time in November with a home game against league leaders, Rotherham. The Millers arrived at Grenoble Road as the league’s top-scoring side and also boasted the best defence. However, the makeshift injury and covid-hit Oxford squad managed to grind out a well-earned point with the game ending goalless.
The U’s may have only won one league game in November and exited the FA Cup, but with what has happened off the pitch and matches against top sides in Ipswich and Rotherham, they will probably be fairly pleased, sitting in eighth place and just two points odd the playoffs.
