The 2023/24 season is one that will live long in the memory of all Oxford United supporters, as the club won promotion to the Championship via the Play-Offs. In this series we take a look back at the campaign, starting with the first month of the season: August.

The first month of any new season starts with great expectations, and with some excellent summer recruitment – starting with the signing of Ruben Rodrigues from Notts County – there was plenty to look forward to for Oxford United fans.

Although the season started slowly, with a defeat on the road at Cambridge United on the opening day, followed by elimination from the League Cup at Bristol City, it didn’t take long for supporters to be rewarded as Oxford won their first home game with a 1-0 win over Carlisle United, new striker Mark Harris getting off the mark in the best possible way.

Harris was at it again in midweek as Oxford set a marker with a win at promotion favourites Derby County, Sparky scoring both goals to make League One sit up and take notice.

This was followed by an equally impressive win at Barnsley, where Cameron Brannagan converted his first penalty of the season, followed in the second half by a Stan Mills cross being diverted into the goal by Tykes defender Jordan Williams. Devante Cole pulled a goal back for the home side, but Oakwell was silenced again shortly afterwards as Tyler Goodrham slid the ball home to earn another three points.

August was to get even better, with the final match of the month a particularly good one for Academy product Goodrham, who scored both goals as United beat Charlton Athletic 2-1 at the Kassam Stadium to make it four wins in a row and leave the U’s sitting proudly at the top of the League One table going into September.