Oxford United goalkeeper in bizarre EFL Trophy suspension

The 37-year-old has emerged as first-choice goalkeeper in recent weeks after Jamie Cumming picked up an injury in the second League One game of the season.

Cumming was forced off within 10 minutes of Oxford’s 2-1 win away at Stevenage, with Eastwood coming into the team and starting the last four matches, keeping his keeper teammate on the bench as the injured shot-stopper returned to fitness.

The veteran goalie has kept two clean sheets in his long-awaited return to the U’s side, keeping both Leicester City and Burton Albion at bay in 4-0 and 3-0 wins, respectively.

However, the Yellows’ no.13 will be forced to sit out for the team’s first EFL Trophy fixture in almost three years as they face Exeter in the group stage.

The U’s last match in the newly-named Jersey Mike’s Trophy came in the third round of the competition on January 9, 2024.

United were defeated 2-0 by AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium under Des Buckingham.

Simon Eastwood signed a new contract with Oxford United earlier this year (Image: Oxford United)

Eastwood received an 89th-minute red card, with midfielder Oisin Smyth donning the gloves for the closing stages.

With the U’s achieving promotion to the Championship that season, Oxford have not played in the competition since that day, meaning that the goalkeeper’s suspension has been carried over for two years and nine months.

With Eastwood not able to play, the match at St James Park could be a crucial chance for former Chelsea man Cumming to re-establish himself as first-choice between the sticks.