Oxford United goalkeeper reveal after Cumming injury blow

First-choice goalkeeper Cumming was withdrawn with less than 10 minutes played during Oxford’s first League One away trip of the season at Stevenage.

The former Chelsea man was replaced by 37-year-old Eastwood who helped Aaron Ramsey’s side to a 2-1 win against Boro, Gatlin O’Donkor and Cameron Brannagan scoring the goals to pick up a first three points of the season.

It was Eastwood’s first competitive U’s appearance in two-and-a-half years, the last coming in a 1-1 draw against Reading in February 2024.

“Jamie’s been struggling since last Saturday against MK,” the veteran shot-stopper disclosed.

“He was going to come off in the last, probably, few minutes [against MK], but obviously, because we were pushing for an equaliser, he stayed on, obviously, to keep the momentum.

“I’ve known about it all week, to be fair.

“Fair play to Jamie; he’s given it a go and tried to get through the game.

“If I’m being honest, in the warm-up, the last kick that he did, he felt it and he gave me a bit of warning.

Simon Eastwood signed a new contract with Oxford United in May (Image: Oxford United)

“So, he said he was going to try it, but…I always knew that I was always going to come on.

“Not as quick as I did, to be honest, but we were just laughing about it in there that he’s started a game of football and I’ve come off the bench and he’ll get the appearance bonus and I won’t.”

Eastwood did appear in pre-season and managed a full 90 minutes in a 2-1 win at Barnet.

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After being introduced at Boro, the former Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth keeper was serenaded to no end by the travelling Yellows supporters.

“I’ve been keeping sharp and staying ready,” the U’s no.13 continued.

Gatlin O’Donkor puts Oxford ahead against Stevenage (Image: Oxford United)

“Obviously, the last two seasons in the Championship, it was a little bit different with having Jamie [Cumming] and Matt [Ingram], and I used to travel around.

“I was the third choice, but this season I’ll be back involved a little bit more, which I’m excited about.

“I’m getting on a little bit now; I’ve been in Oxford for my 11th season, but I’ve still got a bit of hunger there to get out and keep playing.”

After the departure of previous second-string goalkeeper Ingram and the introduction of a temporary transfer embargo on the Yellows, it always looked as though Eastwood would have more influential role in the squad this year.

Earlier in the summer, he signed a new player-coach contract which sees him provide match day support and help develop the next generation of shot-stoppers at Oxford, including now third-choice keeper, 20-year-old Monty Marriott.