It was certainly and up and down week for Oxford United, with the U’s getting thumped at Bolton before winning at Port Vale.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Battered at Bolton Before Port Vale Punishment
Buckingham on McGuane Contract
Oxford midfielder Marcus McGuane is out of contract in the summer and Des Buckingham has confirmed that conversations are yet to take place.
However, it is believed the club have an option for an additional 12 months, which is important as the midfielder has become a key part of the squad, making 40 appearances this season.
Asked about McGuane’s deal, Buckingham said: “It’s nothing we’ve spoken directly to Marcus about, as of yet.
“He’s in the starting XI for a reason and it’s important he continues to perform, and if he does that, he’ll put himself in a very strong position.”
Battered at Bolton
Oxford’s promotion hopes took a huge blow when they lost 5-0 on the road at Bolton on Tuesday night.
A decent striker and a comedic defensive error saw the Trotters head into half time with a two goal lead.
The U’s struggled to get into the game and failed to hit a shot on target, but conceded a further three second half goals.
Lincoln Rearranged
Oxford’s home match against Lincoln has been rescheduled due to international call ups.
The game was originally due to take place on Saturday, March 23 but has been moved to Tuesday, April 16.
The U’s won the reverse fixture 2-0 at Sincil Bank back in October.
International Call-Ups
Ciaron Brown, Fin Stevens and Greg Leigh have all been called up for international duty.
Brown has been selected for the Northern Ireland squad ahead of their friendlies against Romania in Bucharest on Friday, March 22, and Scotland on Tuesday, March 26 at Hampden Park.
Stevens has been recalled for the Wales U21 squad and could face Lithuania in their UEFA U21 EURO 2025 Qualifier before a friendly match in Turkey against Morocco.
Meanwhile, Leigh has been selected for the Jamaica squad that will face the USA in their CONCACAF Nations League semi-final.
Win Over Port Vale
Oxford bounced back from their heavy defeat at Bolton with a 2-0 win over strugglers, Port Vale.
Ciaron Brown gave Oxford the lead from a corner on 16 minutes before Josh Murphy bent a second goal in just four minutes into the second half.
Results elsewhere in League One meant the U’s moved back into the top six .
