On a historic night at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford United secured their place in the League One play-off final at Wembley. The U's put on a dazzling display of attacking football to defeat their opponents and book their spot in the highly anticipated final.
The atmosphere was electric as fans cheered on their beloved team, knowing that a victory would bring them one step closer to promotion. The players showed great determination and skill throughout the match, with every pass and shot met with roars of approval from the crowd.
Cameron Brannagan kept up his hot streak this season to score a penalty in first-half stoppage time to cancel out Josh Knight’s opener for Posh and send Oxford on their way to a steely 1-1 draw on the night.
Des Buckingham’s side travelled to London Road with a slender but valuable 1-0 advantage from the first leg after captain Elliott Moore’s goal at the Kassam Stadium. It meant they could sit back and absorb pressure from Peterborough.
Oxford drew 1-1 at the Weston Homes Stadium on Wednesday night to claim a 2-1 aggregate win. The 1-0 first-leg win ultimately proved decisive, but how Posh didn’t win the second leg was mystifying. They enjoyed nearly 70% possession and won the shot count 18-5. The only on-target shot Oxford managed all night was the penalty scored by Cameron Brannagan, an equaliser in first-half added time just four minutes after Josh Knight had fired Posh in front.
Josh Knight levelled the tie four minutes before half-time when he arrived at the back post to find the net from a free kick, but the U’s responded quickly as Cameron Brannagan scored from the penalty spot in first half stoppage time.
Buckingham said: “I wouldn’t have anyone other than Cam Brannagan standing over that ball. I think after Exeter too when he scored, I had no doubt.”
At times the tension was unbearable as United repelled attack after attack. Peterborough thought they had scored through Knight's diving header, but again Cumming came to Oxford's rescue, throwing himself to his right to keep the ball out. United survived wave after wave of attack but, eventually, after a lifetime, the referee blew his whistle and United were going to Wembley.
As the clock ticked down, both teams fought tooth and nail to find a winning goal. Despite their best efforts, Peterborough were unable to break through Oxford's defense and secure victory. In the end, it was Oxford who emerged triumphant with a 2-1 aggregate win.
The match was a true display of skill and determination from both sides, but ultimately it was Oxford United who booked their spot in the playoff final
Read more
Real Madrid go to UCL final spot with late rally over Bayern Munich 2-1(4-3) Game 2 of NBA playoff: New York Knicks 2-0 Indiana Pacers
Sarah H
Also on site :
- I’m NHL Hall of Famer and Anna Kournikova’s ex-husband who lost $43m and two mansions in investment scam
- Federal judge extends order restricting Trump’s use of Alien Enemies Act in Colorado
- Pope Francis: A Friend of the Jewish People