Ahead of the international break, it’s been a mixed week for Oxford United who saw one win and one defeat in the last seven days.
Elsewhere, there has been updates on both the squad’s injury status and the future of the new stadium.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Win, Loss and Injuries
Win Over Hull
Oxford ended a run of eight games without a win with a scrappy 1-0 victory at home against Hull.
The U’s saw their unbeaten home record come to an end the weekend before with defeat against Swansea so Des Buckingham demanded a response.
In a change of formation and personnel, it was a nervy first half with the visitors having the better chances but when the hosts took the lead ten minutes into the second half, they managed the game and saw out the result.
Oxford United Injury Update
With several first-team players currently on the sidelines, Buckingham has given an injury update on his absentees.
He said: “We’re expecting Cam Brannagan and Shemmy (Placheta) to be back on the pitches on Monday and join the group again, which will be great.
“The next one after is Matty Phillips. We’re expecting him the week after on the Monday.
“Obviously all these dates are on the proviso that they come through their rehab and everything goes as well as it can.
“The next ones back after that are Jordan Thorniley, who’s been out with an ankle injury, but is due back on the 21st, and then Kyle Edwards from the start of December.
“Siriki (Dembele) is a little bit later in December, while the likes of Max Woltman and Joe Bennett are next year, and Louie Sibley will be the end of December now for his timeframe.
“These can change, maybe a week or two either side if there’s a setback of course.”
Stadium Update
The U’s then announced an update on their future stadium plans. In a statement, they said: “Oxford United Football Club can confirm it has submitted a confidential pre-application request to Cherwell District Council in relation to plans for its new stadium.
“The document explores the potential of a footbridge over Oxford Road linking Oxford Parkway and the new stadium and at its suitability for, and impact on, the site and surrounding environment. It will be considered by Cherwell District Council planning officers, with formal feedback provided to the Club in due course.
“In December, the Club will be submitting additional information in relation to the current planning application following requests by Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council and key consultees.
“This will cover matters including transport and ecology which have been the subject of additional surveys conducted over the past six months to provide further clarity on the application to enable it to proceed to decision.
“Transport modelling has been updated to allow for buses and bicycles to pass through matchday road diversions on Oxford Road unaffected. Private vehicles will be diverted along Frieze Way for a short, limited period before and after games.
“A footpath and cycleway along Frieze Way between the site and Pear Tree Park & Ride are now being proposed to provide additional connectivity and enhanced sustainable transport options to and from the site. Also, as part of the sustainable transport options, the Club will increase the provision for on-site cycle parking from 150 to 446 spaces”
Narrow Loss Against the Hornets
Oxford’s search for an away win continues after they lost 1-0 on the road against Watford.
The U’s put in a strong display at Vicarage Road despite several first-team players missing through injury, but were undone just after the break.
Buckingham’s side had chances to level the match but it was another one of those nights where it just wouldn’t go in.