The U’s have won three on the trot after dispatching of Blackburn Rovers in a Championship win at the Kassam as the fight for relegation sparks into life.

Tottenham Hotspur loanee Jamie Donley bagged the only goal of the game, finding the net for the first time in a yellow shirt as United find themselves in fine form.

After Yellows head coach Bloomfield dedicated Wednesday’s win to academy goalkeeper Amelia Aplin who tragically lost her life last Saturday, here is the rest of what he had to say in his post-match interview.

Thoughts on the performance:

I thought we were very good in the first half. Some of the football we played, our pressing, some of the energy we showed, was really good.

Second half, we came out and were a little bit erratic. We gave away a corner early on and I didn’t like our shape for five minutes. Then we got a foothold and probably the biggest disappointment of the night is to not have been two or three ahead and been a bit more comfortable at the end.

Yunus Konak runs with the ball for Oxford United (Image: Oxford United)

It was a bit nervy at the end, and it wasn’t very nice. I didn’t enjoy it at all, that last bit. Because, at 1-0, it only takes a moment. So, I’m disappointed we didn’t put the game to bed, but to come out with a clean sheet and three points is really pleasing.

If we’d conceded, we’d have all been really disappointed and it would’ve been unjust in my opinion. We should’ve been comfortable at the end, we should’ve been two or three ahead.

There’s plenty more for us to chase and that’s what we need to keep doing. It’s been a very nice three games, a really profitable three games for us.

HUGE win over Blackburn for Oxford United who are now only in the relegation zone in goal difference. 👏 #oufc 🟡 pic.twitter.com/AmaLCmGTrJ

— malachi (@MalachiObrey) March 11, 2026

Jamie Donley’s impact on the team:

It was my first day when he injured his shoulder at Milton Keynes, so we’ve had to be patient to get him back.

We know that he’s a good player. He had a great season at Leyton Orient last year and he helps knit us together in that 10. We’re really pleased with him.

Jamie Donley celebrates scoring his first Oxford United goal against Blackburn Rovers (Image: Oxford United)

He just tired a little bit at the end, but for him to get his first goal, he just gives us that little bit of creativity. He’s a very intelligent footballer, so we’re really pleased to have him, and we hope there’s more to come in the next few games.

I think he’s been a really important factor in that amongst other important factors. He can land on the ball, he can find a pass, he can switch play, he can knit the game together.

He’s working really hard out of possession. Him and Will have got a really good understanding because of their history together.

Applause at the 15-minute mark for Amelia Aplin. 💛#oufc 🟡 pic.twitter.com/WCCw0FllJ6

— malachi (@MalachiObrey) March 11, 2026

He’s been a really important cog in the wheel at the moment, and I believe there’s more to come from him in the Championship. He’s still a young player, first season at this level, and he’s still getting used to the speed of the game in terms of coming back from his injury.

READ MORE: Matt Bloomfield dedicates Oxford United win to Amelia Aplin

The team staying unchanged for the last three matches:

You always have to consider, but it would’ve taken a big argument to change anything after the level of performance at Preston.

READ MORE: Oxford United beat Blackburn Rovers to extend winning run

I think once we get further down the line and we’ve been working together with the players for a lot longer, it’s easier to change things and still see the same character and performance levels. At the moment, because we’re still relatively new in the building, you risk upsetting that if you change too much.

Oxford United manager Matt Bloomfield gestures on the touchline (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

Having said that, it’s a really quick turnaround to Saturday, so the chances of changes for Saturday is probably a lot higher than what it was from Friday to Wednesday.

READ MORE: Oxford United boss and captain pay tribute to Amelia Aplin

The U’s momentum:

You have to love and cherish it because it can go as quickly as it comes around. If we don’t keep our feet on the ground and stay humble with it, then the game finds a way of kicking you when you least expect it.

READ MORE: Oxford United striker snubbed Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town

Injuries ahead of Charlton:

There are a couple of knocks actually. One of the lads is carrying something that’s a big doubt for the weekend so there might be one enforced change.

But it’s so soon after the game that it’s hard to know so soon where the lads are at.

The 15-year-old died at the weekend after collapsing during on the pitch during a ‘Junior Premier League’ match last Saturday.

The game between the U’s and Rovers in the Championship was paused on the 15th minute for a minute’s applause to remember the young player.

Meanwhile, flowers, scarves and messages were left draped on the bronze ox statue outside the Kassam Stadium.

Players and fans of the Lancashire side have been thanked for their respect during the match.

READ MORE: Emotional tributes for Oxford footballer Amelia Aplin

One Oxford fan said: “Thank you to the Blackburn team and supporters for their respect for our academy player Amelia Aplin who passed away at the weekend.”

Another added: “Thank you Blackburn team and supporters for your tremendous support and respect for Amelia Aplin’s family and family and teammates.

“Your team put on a performance that they put everything into it, good luck for the rest of the season. From Oxford United fan.”

Oxford boss Matt Bloomfield said: “Both sets of supporters observed the minute’s silence immaculately and thank you to them for that.

“Tonight was about dedicating the evening to Amelia, she’ll live forever in our hearts, her family will be friends of the football club forever and we had to make sure we paid the best respects for such a devastating loss for her family.”

Blackburn Rovers’ spokesman said: “Everyone at Blackburn Rovers sends our deepest condolences to Amelia’s family, friends and all at Oxford United at this incredibly sad time.

“Rest in peace, Amelia.”

The U’s face Charlton Athletic on Saturday after winning their last three matches, most recently seeing off relegation rivals Blackburn Rovers 1-0 on Wednesday evening.

Their impressive run of form has seen United reignite their hopes of remaining in the second tier, now only in the relegation zone on goal difference after drawing level on points with Leicester City in 21st.

With a quick turnaround from their midweek triumph, Oxford are looking to keep up their consistency at home to the Addicks.

“We can all see the prize that we’re working towards,” Bloomfield declared.

“We can all see the points that that grit and determination and performance level, we can see the outcomes that it has given us.

Matt Bloomfield has ‘eyes on the prize’ as Oxford United fight for survival (Image: Oxford United)

“That should be enough motivation in itself for us to go again tomorrow.”

Oxford have fielded the same starting 11 for those three victories, with individuals upping their game and goals being found from different players on the pitch.

Top goal scorer Will Lankshear has chipped in with two goals over the last three games, whilst both centre backs have bagged and midfielder Jamie Donley has scored his first for the club on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

“You need individual performances to be of a high level for the team to be cohesive and to play in the manner that you want it to,” the Yellows boss continued.

Cameron Brannagan challenges Ryoya Morishita for the ball (Image: JASONPIX)

“I feel like there have been some big individual performances in the last three games and as a unit they’ve knitted together nicely and we’re going to need plenty more of those in the last nine games.

“A team that wants to win games needs to find goals all over the pitch.

“We want to be a threat both from open play and set pieces.

READ MORE: Oxford United beat Blackburn Rovers to extend winning run

“It was a nice move that created the goal on Wednesday evening and, to be honest, we could’ve had a couple more.

Jamie Donley (left) celebrates his first goal for Oxford United (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

“We need to make sure we have goal threats all over the pitch and it’s been pleasing recently and we have to keep that going.

READ MORE: Matt Bloomfield dedicates Oxford United win to Amelia Aplin

“We’ve seen a consistency to what we’ve done.

“We’re carrying a couple of knocks from Wednesday evening so we need to give them as long as we can with the quick turnaround. We need to see who’s going to be fit and who isn’t.

READ MORE: Matt Bloomfield’s full thoughts after Oxford beat Blackburn

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones reacts on the touchline during the Sky Bet Championship match at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

“We’ll try and keep as much continuity as we possibly can.

“Nathan Jones has done a fantastic job [at Charlton] over the last two years. They’re a really strong squad, they all know their jobs, really well organised.

“They’re in a fantastic position to secure their safety.”