Aaron Ramsey reveals message to Oxford United goal scorers

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.

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“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.”