Oxford United Advances in FA Cup After Narrow Escape Against MK Dons
New Oxford United manager Matt Bloomfield received an early glimpse of the challenges ahead as his team narrowly avoided an upset in the FA Cup against League Two's MK Dons.
With Bloomfield observing from the stands, interim manager Craig Short led the team for the final time. The Championship side struggled for much of the match against their lower-ranked opponents but managed to advance through a penalty shootout.
Aaron Collins opened the scoring for the home side with a well-placed finish from close range just before halftime. He could have extended the lead, but a strong save from visiting goalkeeper Matt Ingram kept the scoreline at 1-0.
Oxford equalized early in the second half when Will Lankshear found the net. Despite both Ingram and Dons goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray making key saves to maintain the tie, Jonathan Leko and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans missed their penalties in the shootout, allowing the U's to progress to the fourth round.
Oxford made six changes from the team that lost to Ipswich on New Year's Day and quickly found themselves under pressure at Stadium MK. The Dons sensed an upset, forcing Ingram into several saves from a Scott Hogan header and a Ben Wiles shot.
The situation worsened for Oxford when debutant Jamie Donley had to leave the match due to injury after just 17 minutes, replaced by another new signing, Myles Peart-Harris.
Ingram was finally beaten when Jack Sanders' header from a well-executed corner was flicked on by Lemonheigh-Evans, allowing Collins to score from close range.
Ingram's reflexes saved Oxford from a worse fate, as he made a brilliant save from Collins just before halftime, and was called into action again shortly after the break, denying Aaron Nemane's long-range effort.
Oxford's attack had been lackluster, making it seem inevitable that they would need a set-piece to get back in the game. A long throw from Will Vaulks was allowed to bounce through to Lankshear, who scored his seventh goal of the season.
Despite the setback, MK Dons continued to create opportunities, with Ingram saving shots from Collins and Sanders, while MacGillivray made a crucial save from substitute Oli Romeny's late attempt.
In extra time, both Brian De Keersmaecker and Peart-Harris were denied by MacGillivray, and with neither side able to score, the match went to penalties.
Leko's penalty sailed over the bar, giving Oxford an early advantage. With Romeny, Mark Harris, Peart-Harris, and Matt Phillips all converting their kicks, it was fitting that Ingram sealed the victory by saving from Lemonheigh-Evans, sending the U's into the fourth round for the first time in six seasons.