Oxford began the month with a credible 1-1 draw away at Wigan. The U’s took the lead through Matty Taylor with what was arguably goal of the season with a terrific counterattack, but the hosts levelled before the break. In the end, Oxford held on but it was an important point on the road.
The transfer window may have closed but it didn’t stop the U’s from bringing in any new faces. Ahead of their game against Portsmouth, Karl Robinson was reunited with former MK Dons striker Sam Baldock following his release from Derby County.
Oxford continued their unbeaten run in style, coming from behind once again to win late on against Portsmouth. The U’s took and early lead through Luke McNally but Pompey soon levelled before going a man down after just 15 minutes. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the visitors took the lead just after the restart but late goals from Cameron Brannagan and Nathan Holland sealed the win.
However, the U’s were unable to capitalise on that victory as they suffered a defeat on the road against Accrington Stanley. Oxfotd conceded twice without a reply ahead of a tough home game against Bolton.
Unfortunately, it was the same outcome against the Trotters. The U’s led twice in the game with two great efforts from Billy Bodin but the in-form visitors came from behind twice before scoring a late winner themselves to condemn Oxford to just a third home league loss of the season.
The U’s bounced back from the two previous defeats with a 4-0 rout at Charlton. Taylor netted a first-half brace before Baldock curled home his first goal for the club after the break. Former Oxford defender Sean Clare was dismissed for a clash with Taylor before Brannagan netted another long range effort to seal the win.
The euphoria of the win at the Valley was quickly diminished after news emerged of the death of former Oxford legend, Joey Beauchamp. The winger passed away aged just 50, with tributes being paid to the homegrown player.
Robinson fielded the same line-up three days later as the U’s travelled to Crewe. While it was another three points, it was a very different story. Bottom club Crewe hit the woodwork and also forced Jack Stevens into a couple of saves but it was Ciaron Brown who earned the U’s all three points in a scrappy game.
In their first home game since the passing of Beauchamp, the U’s paid tribute on and off the pitch with an impressive surfer organised by the fans and a 4-2 victory over Cambridge. Former U’s loanee Sam Smith twice put the visitors ahead but a brace from Brannagan and strikes from local lads Taylor and Baldock sealed the win – for Joey.
