Oxford United salvage late 1-1 draw vs Ipswich Town in League One

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Oxford United vs Ipswich Town Match Report

Luke McNally was the hero with an injury-time equaliser in front of a bumper crowd to keep Oxford in the promotion hunt. The defenders late header snatched a vital point from the jaws of defeat and salvaged a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town.

Long and Brown returned in the back 3, and talisman Billy Bodin returned to the start line up with Holland dropping to the bench.

With their rivals gaining points with their games in hand, the U’s started in 4th place with the chasing pack breathing down their necks. It was a must win game, or at least a not lose.

The lack of Premier League action may have contributed to the biggest attendance of the season, and Gavin Whyte must have impressed with two early efforts forcing on-loan keeper Christian Walton into action.

Ipswich played good football, but they didn’t trouble Eastwood until the 65th minute when the dangerous Wes Burns got a shot on target. And he was instrumental again as he broke free and teed up Celina to finish.

Manager Karl Robinson rolled the attacking dice and sent on Holland and Winnall late on for Brown and Whyte in the hope of yet another late goal.

An unlikely hero heeded the call, and naturally it was from a set-piece. With Bodin subbed, Kane sent the corner in for McNally to drive a header past Walton to the delight of the fans who had stayed to the whistle.

Oxford drop to 5th, and with a blank game week next Saturday due to Mark Sykes Ireland call-up, all eyes will be on Sheffield Wednesdays home game against Cheltenham, although it would take a mammoth win to better the U’s goal difference.

Plymouth play midweek against the same team, and then travel to Ipswich next Saturday. Sunderland and Wycombe are not in action. This means come 2nd April, a playoff place will be secure for the mega trip to Plymouth for a promotion 6 pointer as could be as much as 9 points clear in 4th.

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Oxford United Fixtures and Results 21/22