Championship: Oxford win on return to second tier
Oxford United 2 - 0 Norwich City
Oxford United marked their return to the Championship after more than two decades with a well-earned 2-0 victory over Norwich City.
Striker Mark Harris, a key player for Oxford, scored their first goal in the second tier this century. He capitalised on a mistake by Norwich captain Grant Hanley, skilfully cutting inside Shane Duffy and slotting the ball through Angus Gunn’s legs.
Cameron Brannagan doubled the lead just before the hour mark with a beautifully curled shot from the edge of the box, following a precise cross from Sam Long.
Norwich's best opportunity came late in the game, but Jack Stacey’s shot was bravely blocked by Oxford’s left-back, Joe Bennett, capping a tough first match for new City manager Johannes Hoff Thorup.
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Thorup’s day got off to a bad start when winger Jonathan Rowe withdrew from the squad on Saturday morning, amidst rumours that French giants Marseille had made a bid for the 21-year-old.
Callum Doyle, on loan from Manchester City, was handed his Norwich debut at left-back as both teams lined up in a 4-3-3 formation.
Oxford, however, started the brighter of the two, with Harris somehow misjudging Tyler Goodrham’s low cross in front of an open goal—though the linesman’s flag had already been raised.
Former Norwich player Przemyslaw Placheta almost scored for Oxford but was denied by Scotland international Gunn at the near post.
Harris had another good chance after a cross from the impressive Long, whose partnership with Goodrham caused problems for debutant Doyle throughout the afternoon.
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The second half continued in the same vein, with Brannagan’s deflected shot hitting the bar after Norwich struggled to clear a Will Vaulks corner.
Five minutes later, Brannagan made no mistake from Long’s cut-back, sealing a fantastic return to the Championship for Des Buckingham’s side.
Based on this performance, Oxford might be aiming for more than just survival this season.
Oxford fans delight
A great first day back in the Championship for Oxfordhttps://t.co/h6RSlUm6oT https://t.co/jzSUkFfO8y
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Ben, an Oxford fan, added "It was a great start to the season. When the players arrive into so many unknowns, it's important that they stick to that identity, and everyone is delighted with the performance. We are all very excited about the new campaign. More performances like this and us fans will start to become confident that we can challenge in the top half of the table."
