Oxford United 4 Cambridge United 2

 Well, this was an entertaining game, if not the result we had wanted. In some ways it was a fitting tribute for Oxford legend, Joey Beauchamp, who had sadly passed away at 50 years old the previous week.

It was a good performance by Cambridge overall against a team who were amongst the favourites to go up at the start of the season and should be making the play-offs now. Sam Smith opened the scoring for the Us on 6 minutes with a well worked goal. He had actually had a spell on loan at Oxford, but the way he celebrated  made it clear that he didn't spend an enjoyable time at the other university city.

 Unfortunately, Cambridge were unable to hold on to the lead going into the break after Matt Taylor scored. To be honest, the linesman on that side didn't seem to be able to raise his flag for offside, but he suddenly remembered how his arms worked when Cambridge were attacking down that side!

The second half saw Cambridge come out with an attacking intent that they have sometimes lacked this season, and on 56 minutes Sam Smith rifled another shot home from distance to restore the U's lead. However, as the game went on it was clear to see which team had the bigger squad and therefore less tired players after what has already been a long season in League 1 and Oxford soon started to dominate, especially down Cambridge's left where Ryan Williams was especially causing problems. In fact I think all of the goals came down that side. Cameron Brannagan got an equaliser on 64 minutes and Sam Baldock gave Oxford the lead for the first time on 72 before Brannagan made it 4 in the last minute. 

It turned out to be an emphatic looking win for the home team, but still a good performance by Cambridge even though they looked out on their feet at the end of it.

Sam Smith celebrates his second goal

Joey Beauchamp tributes before the game.

The Oxford ox.


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