Oxford United welcomed a Stevenage side who are sitting precariously above the relegation zone. They travel having let a two goal advantage slip to league-leaders Northampton in a dramatic game at the Lamex last time out.
Stevenage have been boosted by the appointment of Glenn Roeder who brings a wealth of experience to the club, with the former Watford and Newcastle man taking the role of managerial advisor for The Boro. After the agonising defeat last saturday,
Darren Sarll was left full of disappointment, and told stevenagefc.com: “We all know, supporters, staff, players alike, that in that 2-0 scenario, goal number three is the absolute key one. Their first one is disappointing and very ill-timed [and] it changed a lot of things at half-time for both managers.
Conversely, Michael Appleton’s side come into the game full of confidence, after dispatching in-form Barnet 3-0 on home soil in a convincing win for the U’s.
Oxford were the ones to start brighter. Brilliant work from Hylton to Bowery then saw Lundstram burst through on goal. He hit the half-volley first-time but failed to keep the effort down.
The decisive moment in the game occurred on 19’. John Lundstram flew into a tackle – winning the ball – but it was heavy and referee Paul Tierney warranted it reckless enough to show red. Michael Appleton after the game was quick to assure fans that the club will be appealing the decision.
After the red card the half petered out. The sending off halted Oxford’s momentum and the game became very scrappy. Stevenage had the best chance of the game when Greg Luer was put through on goal. One-on-one with Buchel, the forward beat the keeper but not the post.
The U’s went straight up the other end. Jamie Jones was adjudged to pull Hylton down and the U’s were awarded a penalty. But penalties have been the biggest blight of the U’s season and the curse continued. Sercombe’s tame effort was comfortably saved by Jones to give Stevenage a lifeline.
But United were to go ahead shortly after the interval. A fantastic ball in from the wing by Kemar Roofe was met be Sercombe, whose touch steered him away from the defender. With work to do, Sercombe took the shot nicely on the bounce to bundle pass Jones.
The momentum was firmly with United, with a barrage of crosses coming in from the wide men. But Stevenage were to pull level after a mix-up at the back. Chey Dunkley was caught asleep which allowed the lively Greg Luer space in the box. His excellent pull-back was met by Byron Harrison who slid the ball under the advancing Buchel.
But once more the game began a flat affair. The ten-men of Oxford was beginning to take its toll as Stevenage had a rare spell. Four minutes of stoppage time were added for either side to grab a last minute winner. A glorious chance was fashioned by Liam Sercombe who delivered a vicious cross bound for substitute George Waring. The 6ft 5′ forward could not make sufficient contact with the cross and that signalled the end of the game.
