Will Lankshear apologises after Oxford United relegation

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.

“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.”