Oxford United made it three wins from three with a 4-2 victory over Cambridge on an emotional afternoon at Grenoble Road.
Before the game, fans of Oxford United paid tribute to U’s legend Joey Beauchamp, who passed away last weekend, aged just 50.
But, against the script, it was another former U’s player that scored the opener when Sam Smith put the visitors ahead. However, somewhat fittingly, homegrown striker Matty Taylor levelled the game before Smith added a second after the restart.
But Oxford have been used to coming from behind this season and a brace for Cameron Brannagan either side of a strike from another Oxford fan Sam Baldock, who watched Beauchamp as a fan at the Manor Ground, sealed the win for Karl Robinson’s side.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Formation and Line-Up
With Elliott Moore injured and Ciaron Brown not fully fit, the U’s were forced to change formation once again.
They moved to a 4-4-2 with a diamond in midfield, with Sam Long partnering Luke McNally in the middle of defence while Steve Seddon returned at left-back and Ryan Williams switched to the right.
Herbie Kane sat deep behind Brannagan and Mark Sykes with the front three of Gavin Whyte in behind Baldock and Taylor for the third successive game.
Defensively, there were vulnerabilities but it was a makeshift back four, although at the other end of the pitch, Oxford had far too much power for their opponents in the final third.
Finishing Touch
Oxford recorded 17 shots on the Cambridge goal but only hit the target on five occasions. Despite that, they still found the net four times which is a decent return.
It means the U’s have scored nine goals from their last three games and they have proven to be more clinical in front of goal than in recent weeks.
The build-up in all of the goals were also admirable. Baldock and Williams both notched two assists with clever passes into the box while Taylor continued his predatory instinct in front of goal.
One of Our Own
Obviously, the main talking point is the tribute to U’s legend, Joey Beauchamp. It was the first time Oxford have played at home since his passing last week and the club went above and beyond to celebrate his career.
Family of the former winger laid a wreath behind the goal in front of the Jim Smith stand prior to kick-off before the entire club’s academy stood pitchside.
The fans also unveiled a surfer with Beauchamp with the words “Legend, Hero, Forever a Yellow” underneath, while the number 11 was held up with yellow and blue cards either side as the players made their way onto the pitch.
The game was fitting of Joey’s career – backs against the wall, moments of brilliance and homegrown talent making the headlines.
RIP, Joey Beauchamp.
