Des Buckingham was hungry for more goals despite efforts from Ciaron Brown and Josh Murphy earning Oxford a 2-0 win at Port Vale that moved them into the play-offs.
Brown’s 16th-minute strike lashed the U’s into the lead, before Murphy’s cross-shot nestled in the far corner to settle the scoring four minutes into the second half.
Billy Bodin had an early effort swept off the line and the visitors had two penalty shouts waved away, as they dominated proceedings throughout.
Oxford had chances late on to add gloss to the scoreline – Will Goodwin and Murphy fluffing their lines with the goal gaping. Baylee Dipepa came closest to a late consolation for Vale, firing into a crowd of bodies.
Speaking to BBC Radio Oxford, visiting boss Buckingham said: “Another three points to back up Saturday. We asked for a reaction but not an overreaction.
“We controlled the game for most of the game and it was an excellent performance and a fully deserved three points.
“If we’re being critical, we should score more. We’ve done enough to come away with the win. That’s the important thing.
“We changed the formation. We wanted to get at these and attack them. We needed to react from Tuesday’s defeat to Bolton. Game by game we’re seeing how important every game will be. We spoke about going on our own run of form. Six points out of the last nine is done now. All the players shone today.
“It’s important we got another three points and back in the play-off spots. We now have a 12-day international break to get ready for another couple of games and see how many points we can get from that.”
Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Port Vale boss Darren Moore said: “Two set-plays, two goals to concede which were very disappointing. That’s the most frustrating aspect of it. I thought we started the game really well.
“We had Oxford on the back foot but after quarter of an hour, the first goal seemed to rock us a bit. That gave them confidence and the ability to start stringing passes together. I needed to make a double substitution and that seemed to stem the tide a bit.
“The second goal gave us a mountain to climb. We huffed and puffed after that. We had a couple of half-chances but nothing fell to us in the box.
“You don’t want to lose games. I want to be open. I’m disappointed, the boys are disappointed. But I have to say to them, while the maths are still there, we have to keep going. We need to get ourselves up, dust ourselves down and be prepared for a real tough game at Burton next week.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. MEXICO BEAT THE USMNT TO WIN THE GOLD CUP Man Utd fans now Sesko is too expensive. then.. Arsenal's transfer market on fire - Premier League Champion Tips (Part 2) Arsenal and Chelsea transfer market Lamine Yamal's brother - Keyne is a Visionary! Lil bro knows something we don't! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Cred...
Mourinho gets his man! Fenerbahce confirm Duran loan signingFenerbahce have announced the loan signing of Jhon Duran, just months after the striker departed Aston Villa for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.In an announcement on the club website, Fenerbahce have revealed that 21-year-old striker Duran has joined on a season-long loan from Cristiano Ronaldo-captained Al-Nassr, whom he only joined in...
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe scored a dramatic late winner in last night's Club World Cup clash against Borussia Dortmund, and dedicated the goal to Diogo Jota.Liverpool and the wider footballing world have been left in shock this week after Jota and his brother Andre were tragically killed in a car accident.Tributes have been pouring in, while a number of Liverpool and Portugal players atten...
Arsenal are reportedly in 'advanced talks' with Sporting Lisbon to sign Viktor Gyokeres.The 27-year-old striker has made clear his desire to leave the Portuguese champions and move to Arsenal this summer.And it appears the saga surrounding his future is nearing its conclusion, with it reported by The Athletic that talks between the two clubs are advanced.Personal terms are already in place, having...
Arsenal have completed the signing of highly rated Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, the club have announced.The north London club beat opposition from top European outfits after triggering Zubimendi's €60 million ($67m) release clause.The 26-year-old's contract at Sociedad was due to expire in June 2027.A source told ESPN that Real Madrid tried to sign Zubimendi when Xab...
FBL-EUR-C3-MAN UTD-OMONOIAJuventus are plotting a double Premier League swoop as they look to refresh their squad options after a disappointing campaign.WHAT HAPPENED?The Italian club are preparing to make an offer to Manchester United for the exiled Jadon Sancho. The Englishman spent last season out on loan at Chelsea, who paid a fine to avoid signing him on a permanent basis and is unlikely to b...
Juventus include player in bid for Man Utd winger SanchoJuventus are stepping up talks with Manchester United for Jadon Sancho.After closing a deal for Lille striker Jonathan David on Friday, Juve are now focusing on striking terms with United for Sancho.United wish to sell Sancho for 325m, though Juve hope to drive down that fee by including a player in their offer.Il Corriere dello Sport says Ju...
Man City consider Nico surprise saleManchester City are ready to listen to offers for Nico Gonzalez.The Spain midfielder only joined City in January from Porto for €60m.However, BILD says Nico could be on the move again this summer.With Rodri now fully fit and Tijjani Reijnders arriving from AC Milan, Nico is in danger of becoming surplus to requirements at City in terms of midfield optiions...
Barcelona chief Deco turning to Man Utd outcast RashfordBarcelona chief Deco is ready to take a fresh look at Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford.Deco is seeking a new winger signing this summer and is having to re-adjust his sights after seeing No1 target Nico Williams pen a new deal with Athletic Bilbao on Friday.Fussball Transfers says Deco is now reviving plans for England international ...
Switzerland celebrate their goalSecond-half strikes from Geraldine Reuteler and Alayah Pilgrim helped Switzerland register their first tournament win since 2017 as the hosts overcame Iceland at Stadion Wankdorf in the Swiss capital of Bern.Both sides knew another reversal could spell the end of their EURO 2025 campaign after respective defeats in their opening Group A matches. That prompted Icelan...
- 1 Inside jet-setting England star Dominic Solanke's honeymoon with wife Erica
- 2 Five players ask to leave Man Utd including Rashford, Antony, Garnacho and Sancho
- 3 Ex-Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette finds new club! Striker set to complete move to Saudi Pro League side after Lyon exit
- 4 Diogo Jota's wife arrives at chapel where tragic star's coffin is taken
- 5 Garnacho reveals he intends to stay in the Premier League after Man Utd departure
- 6 Lionesses captain Leah Williamson strips down to her underwear
- 7 Man Utd make shock move to Calvert-Lewin
- 8 Coleen Rooney eclipses husband Wayne as main breadwinner
- 9 Diogo Jota's family life with beautiful wife, cheeky sons, baby girl and dogs
- 10 Man Utd snubbed loan deal for Duran after his 3336k-a-week wages were revealed