After being dismantled by Leeds at Elland Road, Gary Rowett took charge of his first game as Oxford Manger, as The U's took on fellow strugglers Cardiff City at Grenoble Road. A fair few players in recent memory have played for both clubs, but it would be a former Swansea man who'd steal the show. The visitors started slightly better, but they could only create one big opportunity, which saw a Willock effort from range bounce off the crossbar and Meite unable to convert the rebound. The Ox's would grow into the game, and after a nice bit of play down the right, Shemmy Placheta would the ball across the 6 yard box to find Sparky Harris, against his boyhood club, to open the scoring with 5 minutes before the break. Ciaron Brown would rise highest to convert a Goodrham corner shortly after half-time to give The Yellows a cushion. Then came the goal of the game, Brown found Placheta on the right hand side, who jinked inside past a Cardiff man and leathered a strike from 30 yards into the top right corner for a sensational third Oxford goal. Things got nervy for The U's as Ashford spun Brown to give the away side a goal back, and the home side looking more vulnerable. Some late pressure did result in a very late second goal from Callum Robinson for the Bluebirds with the last kick of the game, but Oxford managed to scrap through with a much needed three points. We go through the performances, Rowett's set-up and some areas improvement that need to happen quickly if The Yellows are to survive this season.
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