The U’s ran out 4-1 winners at the Kassam on Saturday in their final home game of the Championship season and only moments before Matt Bloomfield’s team had their relegation to League One confirmed thanks to results elsewhere.

In a clash between two already relegated sides, Will Lankshear scored a stylish brace before Will Vaulks bagged a third for The Yellows.

Oxford United’s Stan Mills causes trouble in the box against Sheffield Wednesday (Image: Jason Dawson)

17-year-old Will Grainger pulled one back for Wednesday before Myles Peart-Harris scored Oxford’s fourth goal a minute later.

With their fate already decided, United played with attacking freedom and seemingly a weight off their shoulders, catching The Owls off guard.

“We had not expected that they would play so many short passes,” Pedersen confessed after the match.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen (Image: Cody Froggatt/PA Wire)

“Normally it’s a very direct team with a lot of long balls.

“Today they played very few long balls and there was a big freedom for them. So our pressing in first half was not how we want to be from the intensity but also tactically.

“I think, in the second half, we had control for our pressing, we made some adjustments and there was also more intensity in second half for our pressing and we also created chances too.

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Oxford United’s Will Lankshear is challenged against Sheffield Wednesday (Image: Jason Dawson)

“But of course, when you conceded four goals, then it’s also difficult to win. So today we didn’t deserve it.

“We were honest, we were not prepared that they will play so much on the ground. We were prepared for how they have played the last many games, much more direct. They normally have the ball less and we were prepared for a more direct game, a second ball game.

Oxford United’s Stan Mills (right) celebrates with goal scorer Myles Peart-Harris (left) (Image: Jason Dawson)

“So the priority to be good on the second ball instead of in the first pressing is a great problem for us and we changed this.

“We tried to change to the first half, it was better the last 15-20 minutes and then I think we solved it for the second half when we changed things in the second half. So in the second half, our pressing was much, much better and much more controlled.

“But one thing is the formation, the other thing is the intensity and the collective relation you put in and it was not good enough in the first half.”

Oxford look ahead to the final day of the regular Championship season this Saturday with a trip to automatic promotion chasing Millwall.

The ceremony, sponsored by DA Building & Roofing, took place at Oxford Town Hall in front of around 300 guests.

Stan Mills and Grace Palmer won the Players’ Player of the Year Award, with Stan also winning the Supporters’ Player of the Year Award alongside Holly Manders.

A total of 10 awards were presented during the event which was hosted by TNT Sports’ Liam MacDevitt, who was joined by former England manager Steve McClaren.

The first award, the Jack Casley Men’s Young Player of the Year Award, sponsored by Smiths Bletchington, was awarded to Will Lankshear for his incredible year in front of goal, hitting double figures in the league.

A new honour, the Women’s Young Player of the Year Award, was introduced this year and presented to the family of Amelia Aplin, who tragically passed away during an Academy game.

It was also announced that the award will be permanently named the Amelia Aplin Women’s Young Player of the Year Award in her memory.

The Golden Boot Awards, sponsored by Grundon Waste Management, were won by Will Lankshear and Emma Thompson for the men and women.

Will Vaulks was honoured with the Community Player of the Year award, sponsored by Bradford Decorating, for his work in developing a suicide prevention campaign within the club.

The Mickey Lewis Club Person of the Year, sponsored by Wenn Townsend, was awarded to safeguarding lead, Jack Nield.

The Joey Beauchamp Goals of the Season awards, sponsored by Oxair, were voted for on the night by the guests.

The awards went to Cameron Brannagan for his critical strike against Millwall, and Shaunna Jenkins, for her incredible volley against Hashtag United.

It was then time for the night’s most prestigious awards, the Men’s and Women’s Players’ Player of the Year, sponsored by Textures Flooring, claimed by Stan Mills, and Grace Palmer.

The Supporter’s Player of the Year award, sponsored by Gregory Surveyors, was handed to Holly Manders for the women.

Meanwhile, the Andrew Knapton Men’s Supporters’ Player of the Year, sponsored by DA Building & Roofing, saw Stan Mills celebrating his second award of the night as he was honoured by the fans. 

Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner provided by Elegant Cuisine with a host of speakers entertaining the crowd, including men’s and women’s team head coaches, Matt Bloomfield and Liam Gilbert, reflecting on the year across the club.

The club thanked DA Roofing & Building for sponsoring the evening, along with other supporters and guests.

An emotional Lankshear was apologetic after United’s 4-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday in which he scored two incredible goals to help his team to victory.

Oxford had their relegation confirmed prior to kick-off as both Charlton Athletic and West Bromwich Albion picked up points to secure Championship safety and remain permanently out of The U’s reach.

After Lankshear’s first-half brace, Will Vaulks and Myles Peart-Harris both scored in the second period whilst Will Grainger pulled one back for Wednesday.

“It’s been bittersweet,” the Yellows striker admitted.

Oxford United’s Will Lankshear celebrates scoring with teammate Hidde ter Avest (Image: Jason Dawson)

“Really disappointed with the results coming in before the game but I thought the lads were outstanding today and the attitude shown.

“It’s been harsh. I think we’ve been a good side this year. I think we’ve competed in every single game so it’s extremely disappointing. But we have to move on and the crowd here, supporting us to the very end, I think they’ve been outstanding all season.

Will Lankshear runs away after scoring for Oxford United (Image: Jason Dawson)

“For me, I would say I’m sorry for not doing more but it’s such a beautiful club and it makes me emotional even talking about it.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the fans here. It’s such a beautiful club and this is really where I believe my career has started and I’m so thankful for everyone here. It’s been the most amazing season for me and I’m so sorry I didn’t do more to keep us up.

Will Lankshear celebrates scoring for Oxford United (Image: Jason Dawson)

The Spurs centre forward scored an exquisite flick after just five minutes to open the scoring before netting an incredible curling effort from long range to secure a brace.

“I said yesterday, ‘I don’t get any shots from outside the area, really’,” Lankshear continued.

“And today, I wanted to find myself in areas where I could get shots off outside the area and I did, because I know I’ve got a good shot on me. It was something I’d been looking at and thankfully it went in.

Video thoughts after relegation confirmed and U’s best #swfc (sorry it’s late!) 💭

What next for Oxford United?#oufc 🟡 pic.twitter.com/NfcFat8It0

— malachi (@MalachiObrey) April 25, 2026

“I was dying for the hattrick! But it didn’t quite come but I’m happy with two and happy to get into double figures for the season in the Championship which is great.”

The Englishman is now on 12 goals for the season – 11 in the Championship – with one more game in yellow colours against Millwall next week.

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“I want to get as many goals as I can and every time I step onto the pitch in the Championship it’s an absolute blessing.

“I’m extremely grateful to be in this position. I never believed I would be here. I’m playing in the Championship at 21 years of age and scoring goals.

“I’ll go into the last game and give it my absolute all.”