Oxford United defeated by Wrexham after Josh Windass strike

The relegation-fighting Yellows suffered another big blow to their Championship survival hopes, leaving them five points away from safety with two games left to play.

Matt Bloomfield’s men were poor on the first period before putting the pressure on late with 16 second-half shots, but failed to trouble the visiting goalkeeper.

The defeat came as Oxford celebrated 40 years since their historic Milk Cup victory, with their Wembley heroes and trophy paraded around the pitch at half-time.

Brodie Spencer in action for Oxford United (Image: Oxford United)

Brief spells of possession came for both teams early on before Wrexham missed a big chance, Sam Smith putting wide a wicked cross into the box from close range.

Dominic Hyam headed a corner over the bar the before Windass fired wide from the edge of the box after taking on Michal Helik on the counter attack.

It did not take much longer for the 32-year-old to get his goal, though, Smith playing the ball to Windass in the middle with the no.10 striking it low into the bottom left corner from the edge of the area.

Stan Mills in action for Oxford United (Image: Oxford United)

Oxford’s first real chance came minutes later when Myles Peart-Harris’ ball in ran all the way to Stan Mills whose shot near the back post was blocked.

A late poke at goal from Callum Doyle was gathered by Jamie Cumming to end the first half.

Wrexham began the second half the stronger, though Helik saw a header caught by Ward, Cumming then pulling off a good save at the other end to deny a Wrexham header.

Myles Peart-Harris challenges for the ball against Dominic Hyam (Image: Oxford United)

The addition of Aidomo Emakhu brought some much-needed pace to the left wing, his cross finding the head of Mills whose header was deflected over.

A good chance fell for Mark Harris who brought the ball down and fizzed it past the post from inside the area before Kieffer Moore was played in behind at the other end and saw an effort deflected over after a nick off Ciaron Brown.

Callum Doyle nodded the corner over at the back post before United began to put the pressure on.

Corners were won by Mills and Emakhu, with shouts for a penalty as Brown had his shirt completely hauled off in the box.

A volley from Emakhu flew over the bar before Helik also headed over.

Oxford United’s Cameron Brannagan on the ball (Image: Oxford United)

The U’s Irish winger had one more go which was saved as the hosts fell to defeat.

Oxford: Cumming, Long (ter Avest 67), Helik, Brown, Spencer (Donley 88), Konak (Harris 67), McDonnell (Vaulks 56), Mills, Brannagan, Peart-Harris (Emakhu 56), Lankshear

Wrexham: Ward, Hyam, Scarr, Doyle, Dobson, Longman (Kabore 56), James, Rathbone (O’Brien 70), Thomason, Windass (Cleworth 90+3), Smith (Moore 71)

Bookings: Emakhu, Mills; Longman, Kabore