Saturday, May 11, 1985 – Oxford United secured promotion to the top flight with a 4-0 win over Barnsley. In doing so, the U’s became the first club to win the third division and second division in successive seasons.
Jim Smith’s raced into a four-goal lead in just half an hour. John Aldridge netted his 29th and 30th league goals of an incredible debut season for Oxford, while Jeremy Charles and Bobby McDonald also got themselves on the scoresheet.
Over 13,000 fans crammed into the Manor Ground to witness a second successive league title, having won Division Three just one year earlier.
Oxford had already secured promotion a couple of weeks prior to the win over the Tykes, but Jim Smith wanted to secure the title. The win over Barnsley ensured that his side finished two points clear of his previous club, Birmingham City.
The U’s would have an impressive maiden season in Division One. Despite only securing their top-flight status on the final day with a win over Arsenal, Oxford also secured their first major silverware with a win over QPR in the Milk Cup final.
