Oxford drew first blood in their Sky Bet League One play-off semi-final against Peterborough by taking a slender 1-0 lead to London Road for the second leg on Wednesday.
Centre-half Elliott Moore headed home at a corner in the 53rd minute to give the U’s victory at the Kassam Stadium.
In front of a sell-out 11,000 crowd, Oxford started on the front foot, Josh Murphy forcing a corner in only the second minute and Ruben Rodrigues seeing his 15-yard shot saved moments later.
The U’s had finished their league campaign with momentum, winning five and drawing two of their last eight games, which included a 5-0 thrashing of Posh three weeks ago.
Both teams were unchanged from the final Saturday of the season and had players returning from injury on the bench.
After taking the sting out of Oxford’s early dominance of the ball, Posh created an opening in the 18th minute for Ephron Mason-Clark to fire in a low angled shot from the left which Jamie Cumming got down comfortably to save.
At the other end U’s midfielder Tyler Goodrham struck a 30-yard drive narrowly over before Murphy, cutting in from the left, smashed a cross-shot just over too.
Probably Oxford’s best chance in the first half fell to skipper Moore who met Joe Bennett’s corner six minutes before the break but directed it over the bar.
Darren Ferguson brough Kwame Poku on for the second half and within minutes Poku had produced a smart turn and shot over the bar.
Oxford’s breakthrough came eight minutes into the second half when Cameron Brannagan headed back Josh Murphy’s deep corner at the far post and the towering Moore nodded in from four yards.
Peterborough responded with skipper Harrison Burrows embarking on a mazy run into the box, yet he could not find a shot to match.
The visitors also worked the ball into a good position for Hector Kyprianou to strike from 20 yards but he hit it straight at Jamie Cumming.
Both teams were aware of how a goal either way would have a big impact on the tie and there was palpable tension around the ground when Posh pressed for an equaliser.
Substitute Ricky-Jade Jones almost turned in a cross from close range in the 77th minute and Oxford’s players put their bodies on the line to make some vital blocks.
Cumming got down low to save from Burrows at his near post and, after a pacy break down the right by Poku, Jones got in the way of the cross with Joel Randall waiting behind him.
Oxford hung on, though, and when the final whistle sounded their fans were in buoyant mood.
Jack Grealish Man CityPep Guardiola has left Jack Grealish out of Man City's squad for their final day tilt against Fulham, fuelling speculation over the winger's future. Manchester United FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?Grealish is scheduled for talks with the club this summer, but his omission from their crucial trip to Craven Cottage is the latest sign his future likely li...
Manchester United v Fulham - Emirates FA Cup Fifth RoundVictor Lindelof's time at Manchester United is drawing to a close as the Swedish international will leave once his contract expires.WHAT HAPPENED?Fabrizio Romano has reported that a final decision was made following a meeting this week between the club’s hierarchy and the player, marking the end of an eight-year stint at Old Trafford. D...
🔊 Can Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season? Their chances look promising, especially with Manchester United unfortunately becoming one of the main point donors in the Premier League. However, a win at Old Trafford won't be enough. They need one of the top three to drop points. Regardless, the visitors will be playing solely for the win, making the favorite...
🔊 Can Newcastle secure a top-five finish in the English Premier League? Currently sitting fourth, they are only ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference. This makes a win at St. James' Park crucial for the Magpies. Everton might not be in contention for anything significant, but they remain a tricky opponent. We'll explore various scenarios to make an insightful prediction. Head-to-Head...
🔊 Will Manchester City secure a spot in the Champions League by the end of the Premier League season? A victory would guarantee it. However, under certain scenarios, a draw or even a loss might suffice. Fulham, stuck in mid-table, aren't contending for anything significant. With a lack of motivation, they appear as the underdogs in this clash at London's Craven Cottage. Nonetheless, we will explor...
🔊 Can Ipswich Town wrap up their stay in the English Premier League with a victory? They're up against West Ham, a team with a decent squad but plenty of on-field issues. This gives the "Tractor Boys" a chance to delight the crowd at Portman Road, even though they aren't the favorites. We'll explore various scenarios to make a well-founded prediction.Head-to-Head📊 The only head-to-head encounter b...
🔊 Will the final round of the English Premier League serve as a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield? These very teams will compete for the trophy in August. It's a familiar scenario for Liverpool, but not so for Crystal Palace, who will make their debut in such a match. However, both teams are unlikely to be looking that far ahead, as their lineups are bound to change. More likely, players fr...
🔊 How will Leicester look without their legend, Jamie Vardy? The team is likely to undergo some restructuring, but that's a challenge for next season when the Foxes will be competing in the Championship. Bournemouth, on the other hand, will remain in the Premier League, though their squad could see significant changes due to increased demand for their players. In this upcoming clash, neither team ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
- 1 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Man City target right-back Tino Livramento
- 4 Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Prediction 25 May 2025
- 5 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 6 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 7 Goodbye Jack Grealish?! Pep Guardiola axes Man City star from squad for crucial Fulham clash as transfer talk continues to swirl
- 8 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves
- 9 Liverpool considering transfer swoop
- 10 Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction 25 May 2025