Oxford began the month with a narrow defeat at league leaders, Portsmouth. The hosts took a second-minute lead but Cameron Brannagan levelled from the penalty spot just four minutes later. The U’s hit the post twice but it was Pompey that found the important second goal.
The four-game winless run then came to an end as the U’s won against Cheltenham. Josh Murphy gave Oxford the lead in first-half stoppage time but the Robins levelled with ten minutes remaining. However, Greg Leigh popped up with a late winner.
That win would become irrelevant when the U’s lost 5-0 on the road at Bolton. It was an unforgettable night for Des Buckingham and his side.
But Oxford bounced back with a 2-0 win over strugglers, Port Vale. Goals from Ciaron Brown and Murphy early in each half was enough to secure a vital three points.
Subsequently, Jay Matete sustained an injury that ended his season and returned to Sunderland. The January loanee only made six U’s outings.
Oxford drew 1-1 against Shrewsbury to close the month. The U’s controlled significant portions of the game, but they were unable to extend their lead—as has been the case frequently in recent weeks. Des Buckingham’s team has fallen out of the top six on goal differential as a result of Lincoln’s victory.
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