Oxford United kick off League One with a draw against Cambridge

Oxford Line-up and Stats

Cambridge vs Oxford Match Report

Oxford kicked off their 6th successive season with a draw in the Sky Bet League One, but manager Karl Robinson was delighted to return to a full capacity stadium and the first away game with fans since beating Shrewsbury 3-2 March 7th 2020. Albeit he was forced to sit in the stands due to his four game suspension after the ill-tempered game against Sunderland last season.

Newly promoted Cambridge spoiled the party with a late penalty, after debutant left-back Steve Seddon scored the opener in the 42nd minute. Playing in their brilliant white away kit rather than the traditional yellow due to a clash with the home side, United enjoyed most of the early possession and two early chances with Jordan Thorniley in the 5th and a first proper sniff at goal in the 15th minute as Williams had a shot blocked after good work from Whyte.

James Henry forced opposition keeper Mitov into a fine save from a header from a superb cross from Seddon who looks a great signing already. Cambridge had chances with a snatched shot by James Brophy that didn’t test Jack Stevens, but the game swung the U’s way in the 42nd minute when Forde linked with Williams and Taylor flicked the cross on for Seddon to drive in at the back post to send the travelling fans into raptures and a half-time lead.

Cambridge were galvanised at half-time and came out the strongest, with Oxford sitting back too deep. In the 77th minute, Sykes brought down Paul Digby in the box giving Ironside the opportunity to dispatch the penalty past Stevens. No side looked like grabbing a late winner and a draw was a fair result.

Next up is fellow League One side Burton Albion away on Wednesday in the EFL Cup, who began their season with a 1-0 away win against Shrewsbury. Saturday sees the visit of Charlton Athletic to the Kassam Stadium in the next League One encounter.

League One Table

Oxford United Fixtures and Results 21/22