Oxford United extended their winning run against arch rivals Swindon to five matches after Kemar Roofe’s double secured a 2-0 victory in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy last night.
As an Oxford United fan, I spent most of yesterday trying to convince myself that “it is only the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and it doesn’t really matter” but I knew it was lies. Oxford vs Swindon is probably one of the ‘lesser known’ derby games but it certainly has all the ingredients for a mouth watering fixture. There is passion, drama, excitement and endless history between two clubs who loath each other.
Both sets of fans did their best to create a boisterous pre-match atmosphere, however it was the Oxford fans who stole the show with an impressive fan made display.
Swindon came out motivated, plainly eager to rectify their below par league form. They put early pressure on United and would have taken the lead if it wasn’t for the linesman flagging Jon Obika offside on 22 minutes.
It looked like it may be a tough evening for Oxford before a moment of madness completely changed the complexion of the game. Swindon’s Jordan Turnbull stupidly kicked out at Oxford skipper Jake Wright and was sent for an early bath as a result.
Swindon began to crumble in front of my eyes, with Oxford pouring forward and heaping pressure on Swindon’s back-line. It seemed only a matter of time before Oxford would score and on 41 minutes the inevitable became a reality. Ryan Taylor weaved through the shaky Swindon defence before propping it up for Roofe who drove the ball into the net past a helpless Vigouroux, sending the Oxford faithful into delirium.
Jordan Graham was agonisingly close to adding a second before the break. His curling shot was tipped onto the post by the inspirational Vigouroux, who was keeping Swindon in the game.
Oxford started the second half with the same vim and vigour that they ended the first half with. Jordan Graham’s tricky feet was bamboozling Swindon’s full back, who couldn’t wait for the end of his torrid evening.
Oxford ended all chance of a Swindon fightback when they doubled their advantage on 53 minutes. An inch perfect cross by Graham was met by Roofe, whose header squirmed under the goalkeeper and trickled over the line. Game over.
United had plenty more chances to add to their tally. Vigouroux who had been brilliant all evening lost his concentration for a split second and gifted the ball to Patrick Hoban in stoppage time, unfortunately the Irishman’s ambitious long range chip ended up on top of the net rather than in it.
It’s five wins on the bounce now for Oxford over the old enemy. I’d like to say nights like this don’t come around very often but actually…well…they do these days.
Every football fan on the planet knows what derby games mean, no matter what competition it’s played in, fans would do anything for a win. Credit has to go to the Oxford manager Michael Appleton who fielded a full strength team, a rarity in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. It’s refreshing to know that he realised how much this game means to the loyal fans of this football club.
It’s back down to earth for Oxford United now who will now begin their preparations for a league game at home to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday. They will be hoping to build on a dream start, but that’s all it is at the moment…a start. Let’s try and make it a dream middle and a dream end as well.
