Oxford United edged past Steven Garde 2-1 on Saturday 22 August 2026, giving new manager Aaron Ramsey his first victory in charge. The match took place at the Madejski Stadium, with the home side Stevenage fighting to keep their League One hopes alive.
First Win for Ramsey
Ramsey, who took over the club in the summer, made a double substitution in the 65th minute. Two minutes later, Stanley Mills crossed from the right for Gatlin O'Donkor, who headed the ball past Stevenage goalkeeper Jasper Pattenden. The goal was the opener, but it was not the only moment of the game that would define the result.
Key Moments
With three minutes to go, Gatlin O'Donkor raced clear, beating Stevenage defender Filip Marschall before being fouled. Cameron Brannagan stepped up and converted the penalty, sending the ball into the bottom corner of the Stevenage net. The goal sealed the points for Oxford.
Jordan Roberts pulled one back for Stevenage with practically the last kick of the game, but the U's had been the better side over the entire match. Stevenage had a couple of good headers in the first half - the first by Lewis Freestone and the second for Carl Piergianni - but both went wide.
Injuries and Substitutions
The first period saw injuries to both teams. Oxford lost goalkeeper Jamie Cumming, while Stevenage had to replace defender Jasper Pattenden. The match also highlighted the tactical changes Ramsey implemented, with the double substitution in the second half proving decisive.
The game finished 2-1 in favour of Oxford, giving the new manager a promising start to his tenure and leaving Stevenage to regroup for their next fixture.
