James Henry effort enough as Oxford edge League One leaders Wycombe

Posted Sunday, December 22, 2019 by PA

Oxford inflicted only a second defeat of the season on Sky Bet League One leaders Wycombe as they recorded a 1-0 win in a fiery local derby at the Kassam Stadium.

Wanderers had Adebayo Akinfenwa sent off in the 26th minute after the striker squared up to Oxford defender John Mousinho as players argued over Alex Gorrin’s challenge on Scott Kashket – eight players were booked in total throughout the match.

Oxford, fresh from their fine performance against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, were already a goal up at that stage.

James Henry netted from close range at the second attempt after 23 minutes after Ryan Allsop spilled Cameron Brannagan’s shot.

Wycombe began quickly with Jordan Archer saving from Kashket in the second minute.

But Oxford then took charge and Allsop pulled off two flying saves in quick succession from Tariq Fosu and Mousinho.

With 10 men, Wycombe were happy to get bodies behind the ball in the second half and had hopes for something from a set piece, before Archer had to save from David Wheeler’s drive.

At the other end, Fosu brought a fumbling stop from Allsop as the home side pressed for a second goal.

The victory lifted Oxford back into the play-off places.