Oxford United secured their third win of the Championship season with a 1-0 victory over Stoke City at the Kassam Stadium.
After a lackluster opening half, Idris El Mizouni, who was brought back into the starting lineup, broke the deadlock shortly after the break, calmly slotting home a pass from Ruben Rodrigues.
The U’s nearly extended their lead when Siriki Dembele narrowly missed, signaling Oxford's growing dominance in the second half.
Des Buckingham’s side had another golden opportunity to double their advantage ten minutes from time, but Peter Kioso failed to convert from close range, sending his shot over the bar after a corner was flicked into his path.
This win propelled Oxford United into the play-off positions in the early Championship standings, ahead of the afternoon fixtures.
Both teams struggled to create clear chances in a dull first half, marked by their first meeting in over 23 years. Mark Harris had a shot easily saved by Stoke’s Viktor Johansson in the 12th minute, while Tyler Goodrham’s strike was pushed away by the goalkeeper.
Stoke’s best chance of the half came when Eric Bocat’s 16th-minute effort was blocked by Elliott Moore, with the visitors going close from consecutive corners during stoppage time.
Midfield injuries were a concern for both teams as Stoke’s Lyndon Gooch limped off 12 minutes before halftime, followed by Oxford’s Cameron Brannagan, who also exited before the interval.
Rodrigues, who replaced Brannagan, played a key role in the decisive goal, cutting in from the right and setting up El Mizouni, who finished calmly from 12 yards.
The goal boosted Oxford’s confidence as Dembele’s deflected shot looped into the arms of Johansson, and Harris forced another save from the Stoke keeper minutes later.
Stoke’s Ben Wilmot made a crucial block to deny Rodrigues after a precise pass from Kioso, as Oxford continued to apply pressure.
Oxford had multiple chances to extend their lead within a minute, with Goodrham’s shot saved, El Mizouni’s powerful strike deflected over, and Kioso missing from close range.
Stoke’s day was summed up when Andrew Moran sent a shot high and wide from the edge of the box, as Oxford goalkeeper Jamie Cumming was rarely troubled.
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