Oxford United beat Stevenage 2-1 to secure first Aaron Ramsey win

A well-fought victory was secured by Gatlin O’Donkor and Cameron Brannagan in the second half.

The former nodded home after 67 minutes to bring joy to the travelling Yellows supporters before O’Donkor then won a penalty which Brannagan tucked home sweetly.

Boro did manage a last-minute consolation goal through Jordan Roberts but it was Oxford who came away victorious.

There was a slight worry after just eight minutes as first-choice goalkeeper Jamie Cumming was forced off with injury, veteran goalkeeper Simon Eastwood replacing him.

The win sees Oxford unbeaten in their first two league games and brings a first competitive victory for former Arsenal midfielder Ramsey early in his U’s tenure.

Another physical encounter awaited the U’s, Lewis Freestone heading over straight away for Boro.

Ciaron Brown got in the way of another early shot, this time from Josh Magennis, before Cumming came off, Eastwood entering the action.

Jack Currie carries the ball for Oxford United (Image: Oxford United)

A couple of efforts from Dan Kemp went wayward before a chance finally comes to United, Siriki Dembele’s shot from range deflecting wide.

Louie Sibley forced the first save as the sides battled away.

The midfielder rescued the U’s not long after, sliding in to hook the ball away off the line as Boro threatened.

Carl Piergianni went very close for the hosts, nodding a ball just wide with pace.

Peter Kioso found the final shot of the half, Filip Marschall saving his shot after a one-two with Aidomo Emakhu.

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A big chance fell early in the second period, Sibley shooting over disappointingly from inside the box.

Stevenage hit back, Eastwood preventing Magennis from scoring before Kemp volleyed just wide.

Pierganni headed wide again for Boro before Cameron Brannagan forced a good save from Marschall with a vicious free kick from close range.

Oxford United captain Cameron Brannagan scored the U’s second against Stevenage (Image: Oxford United)

Saxon Earley hit a sweet volley just over the bar before the visitors made their mark.

A duo of inspired substitutions from Ramsey saw Stan Mills swing a sweet ball to Gatlin O’Donkor who headed low into the net to give Oxford the lead.

Boro tried to hit back, but it was United who scored next, Marschall bringing down O’Donkor to give away a penalty which captain Brannagan tucked home neatly.

Stevenage managed to get one back through a last-minute Roberts strike, but the win was secured seconds later as full time blew.

Stevenage: Marschall, Piergianni, Freestone, Phillips (Roberts 80), Magennis, Kemp, Earley (Patterson 72), Vancooten, Pattenden (Houghton 33), Reid (Sanderson 80), Thompson (Taylor 72)

Oxford: Cumming (Eastwood 8), Kioso, Helik, Brown, Currie (Spencer 88), Brannagan, McDonnell, Emakhu, Sibley (O’Donkor 64), Dembele (Mills 64), Harris (Goodrham 88)

Bookings: Freestone; Helik, Brannagan, Harris, Mills