'Optimism' returns to Oxford United ahead of League One test | Oxford Mail

0 Comments Skip to next photo 1/1 Show caption 1/1 Share

0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. After a start to the season that felt rather bitty for Oxford United, whether it be a festival postponing a local derby or a three-week international break, it’s fair to say things are coming thick and fast for Aaron Ramsey’s men now.

A word on our trip to Mansfield on Thursday night first: ludicrous. Absolutely ludicrous.

After a patchy and uncomfortable first half, which relied on a Luka Lynch wonder goal to give the Yellows the lead, nobody could have imagined the events we were about to witness after the break.

Not only, in my opinion, should Oxford have been awarded a penalty, but sending Peter Kioso off for simulation was an unforgivable decision.

Oxford United celebrate Luka Lynch's opener against Mansfield (Image: Richard Parkes)

Having just eight players on the pitch for a spell made it quite the encounter, but we came away alive, with a hard-fought point on the road.

Last night’s match-up with Wigan couldn’t have been more different, as it kicked off a run of three home games at the Kassam in the space of a week.

Ramsey’s side have shown their quality, resilience and adaptability away from home so far, but now it is time to take that form onto home soil against some of the league’s strongest sides, starting with Wigan, among the slowest starters in this League One campaign.

READ MORE: Aaron Ramsey praises Oxford United star Andrews and backs Cumming

READ MORE: Oxford United player ratings as Helik and Andrews fire U's to victory vs Wigan

It was a match in which the U’s dominated and controlled proceedings from start to finish.

It was like watching the opposition from around 80 per cent of Oxford’s Championship games over the last two years, except Oxford did what they do best: make life as physically difficult as possible for themselves.

Only our football club could complete more than 200 passes than the opposition, limit them to 40 fewer touches in our box, face just a single shot on target and play 25 minutes with an extra player, yet still leave every home supporter staring at the clock, crossing every possible body part and waiting for the referee to blow the final whistle.

In all seriousness, though, there were some eye-catching moments and individual performances that stood out.

Jack Currie and Brodie Spencer’s immense work rate from full-back, Kai Andrew’s stellar midfield display, Siriki Dembele’s pace and skill, and the press led by Mark Harris were all positives to take away.

Cameron Brannagan confronts the referee (Image: Richard Parkes)

Despite making things more difficult than they needed to be at times, with a bit more killer instinct potentially turning it into a far more comfortable evening, there is plenty to like about this Oxford United side.

With two of the league’s top three to visit the Kassam next, you can feel the optimism and excitement building around the place once again.