Oxford United made a solid start to the new season but have hit a slight setback in September, with their only win coming on the final game of the month.
Having lost 4-1 at Cambridge in the Football League Trophy at the back end of August, the U’s suffered another defeat on the road at AFC Wimbledon. Despite taking the lead before the break through Mark Sykes, the Dons scored three second-half goals to take the points.
The U’s then welcomed Wycombe to Grenoble Road. It was the first time the two sides met since the 2020 League One playoff final but it was an uneventful affair. The two sides played out a goalless draw in what was a frustrating afternoon for Karl Robinson’s side.
Robinson then took his Oxford side down the A40 to face League Two champions, Cheltenham Town. The U’s dominated the first half but were unable to convert their chances before the Robins netted in the second half and shut up shop to keep the U’s searching for a first away win of the season.
Despite their poor form on the road, Oxford’s home form was sharp with three wins and a draw, so back to back homes matches would have been a welcome relief. However, the U’s would once again be left frustrated following a 1-1 draw against Gillingham. The U’s dominated both possession and chances and even took an early lead through Matty Taylor, but the Gills equalised through former Oxford midfielder Alex MacDonald and the hosts were unable to find a winner.
But there was no repeat of that when Accrington came to town. Stanley, who had won four of the previous six meetings at Grenoble Road, sat above the U’s in the table but first-half goals from Nathan Holland and second-half strikes from Taylor and Sykes made it a comfortable evening, with the final scoreline ending 5-1 to the U’s.
While the results may have been underwhelming, the injury news over the course of the last month has been a boost. Sam Long made a welcome return, as have wingers Billy Bodin and Ryan Williams. Jamie Hanson remains the only long-term absentee, although both he and Marcus McGuane are close to a return.
