Cumming was left out of the squad due to suspension as Oxford beat Thames Valley rivals Reading 2-0 in League One, whilst Helik was forced off in the second half with an injury.

The win saw Reading-born duo Gatlin O’Donkor and Mo Missanga score at the Kassam Stadium to extend the Yellows’ league unbeaten run to 10 games.

U’s goalkeeper Cumming was not available in midweek after being sent off in the final minutes against Barnsley last weekend.

The club had appealed against the red card, with Ramsey providing an update after the match: “They said the decision was the same as the ref’s decision, and they didn’t want to change it.

“So, look, it is what it is. We have to deal with it.

READ MORE: Oxford United player ratings as captain Brannagan inspires win over Royals

READ MORE: Oxford United beat Reading in substitute-inspired Thames Valley derby win

“And then, look, it gives opportunity again for Simon Eastwood to come in and have another solid performance with a clean sheet.

“So, we have players who are ready.”

Cumming will see out a three-game suspension, with it understood that he will miss the weekend’s FA Cup clash with Stevenage but will be available in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy against Cheltenham Town.

The United boss also opened up on the injury to Helik, saying: “He had a knock on his knee from the last match [against Barnsley].

Michal Helik heads at goal for Oxford (Image: Darrell Fisher)

“He’s done well to get through the minutes that he did tonight.

“He felt it a little bit, but no risk taken there.

“So, an opportunity now for him to recover a little bit before the league starts up again.

“We’ll assess him. We’ll see how he responds over the next few days.”

The Reading-born duo scored the goals to secure a 2-0 win for the U’s, the first victory over their Thames Valley rivals since 1999.

The win saw Oxford extend their League One unbeaten run to 10 games and remain third in the division, three points off top spot.

Academy graduates O’Donkor and Missanga made the difference in the second half, coming off the bench to inspire a cut-throat second half.

Ramsey revealed his message to the young duo after the match, saying: “When I was bringing them both on, I said, look, you’re both going to have big impacts here tonight, and this is made for you boys to come on and get your goals.

“I’m really pleased that they came on and had those impacts and have their moments to share with the fans.”

Gatlin O’Donkor celebrates scoring against Reading (Image: Darrell Fisher)

The ex-Arsenal added: “Them coming on tonight and getting a goal is brilliant for both of them because they’ve been really good and they’ve worked really hard over the last few weeks.

“So, for them to get a reward for that with a goal each tonight is pleasing.”

The midweek win is yet another result to be proud of for Ramsey’s side who have only been defeated once in the league in all 13 games played so far.

The head coach continued: “I’m super proud of my team.

“The way that we performed throughout the whole 90 minutes, I was really pleased with.

“I thought we controlled the game in the first half. We had to be a bit more patient, try and switcher a few times and make them work, because then you go into the second half and the demands are so high that we put on teams that opportunities do appear.

READ MORE: Oxford United player ratings as captain Brannagan inspires win over Royals

READ MORE: Oxford United beat Reading in substitute-inspired Thames Valley derby win

“Sometimes it’s like that, but I thought the way that we got into our structure, I thought our controlling positions were really good tonight.

“Moments of quality then. When the ball is a free kick or a throw-in, it’s not an option for us to rest, and that’s when we become alive. That was evident in the goal today.”

Ramsey has made an incredible impact since joining the club in the summer, navigating a transfer embargo and bringing together a young squad.

In his first permanent head coach role, the former Wales international is thriving in the dugout.

He finished: “I’m loving every moment of it.

“Me and my staff, full credit to them as well. We work hard to give our players the best opportunities to go out and win football games.

“It’s a real pleasure to be here.”

Reading-born duo Gatlin O’Donkor and Mo Missanga scored the goals to secure Oxford’s first win over the Royals in 27 years.

The win sees Aaron Ramsey’s men remain third in the league, three points off top spot with a game in hand.

Here is how we rated the Yellows players at the Kassam…

Simon Eastwood – 7.5

Called back into action after Jamie Cumming’s suspension and secured his third clean sheet of the season.

A notable save to stop Jack Marriott and two others kept Reading at bay.

Peter Kioso – 6

Saw less of his lung-busting runs forward as he was tasked with shuffling into a back three on the ball.

Was a bit hit and miss in his duels and was booked.

Michal Helik – 7

Performed well whilst playing through a knock picked up at Barnsley.

Michal Helik heads at goal for Oxford (Image: Darrell Fisher)

Won his aerial duels and even made it all the way to the opposition by-line at one point.

Ciaron Brown – 6.5

A couple of really incisive passes and was strong in the early stages.

A brief scare when he lofted the ball onto his own crossbar.

Jack Currie – 5.5

Struggled to contain the dangerous Kyreece Lisbie at times.

Inverted his position from the left but did not offer too much going forward.

Cameron Brannagan – 9

Absolutely everything needed from the captain in a derby.

Measured aggression, dangerous from set pieces – assisting directly for O’Donkor before whipping in the corner for the second – and brilliant passing whilst covering lots of ground.

Kai Andrews – 7

Some good footwork, neat passing and clever enough fouls to not get booked yet kill Reading’s momentum.

Aidomo Emakhu – 5

His first few touches let him down which set the tone for his performance.

Completed one successful dribble but squandered a big chance to score in the first half.

Aidomo Emakhu battles for the ball (Image: Darrell Fisher)

Tyler Goodrham – 7

Created one big chance and pulled off some nice flicks and neat turns.

Good delivery from set pieces as well.

Siriki Dembele – 7

A slow first half but won fouls in good areas in the second with some driving runs.

Mark Harris – 6

A quiet afternoon but won the free kick which resulted in the opener.

Substitutes:

Mo Missanga (64′) – 7.5

An impressive, instinctive finish for his second professional goal.

Sam Long (67′) – 6

Gatlin O’Donkor takes aim against Reading (Image: Darrell Fisher)

Gatlin O’Donkor (68′) – 8.5

Goal. Assist. Against the team he was released from as a kid.

What more could you want?

Louie Sibley (79′) – N/A

Brodie Spencer (80′) – N/A

As good an impact off the bench as you can get with the crucial first goal and an assist for the second.