Stevenage lost their first League One match of the season 2-1 at home to Oxford United. The result leaves Steve Evans's side 19th in the early table with one point from their opening two games, a position they will aim to improve when they host Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.
Oxford took the lead in the second half through substitute Gatlin O'Donkor, assisted by Stan Mills. Cameron Brannagan then converted a penalty to double the visitors' advantage. Stevenage pulled a late goal back deep into added time but could not find an equaliser. The defeat follows an opening day draw, meaning Stevenage have taken just one point from a possible six and sit five points behind early leaders Bradford City.
The game at the Lamex Stadium was a tight affair for long periods. Oxford United manager Aaron Ramsey acknowledged the challenge his team faced, stating, "It was a really tough place to go to but a test that we stood up to." The breakthrough came after changes, with 22-year-old winger Stan Mills making an impact off the bench. Mills, who is reportedly set to join Preston North End in January, provided the cross for O'Donkor's opener. Brannagan's spot-kick appeared to seal the points before Stevenage's late consolation.
With two goals scored and three conceded so far, defensive solidity will be a focus. The club's top scorer this season is O. Sanderson with one goal from two appearances. The immediate task is to bounce back in their next fixture, a home game against 20th-placed Doncaster. A full rundown of the upcoming schedule is available on our fixtures page. This match represented a missed opportunity to build momentum in front of their own fans.
The victory was a significant one for the visitors. Ramsey praised the impact of Stan Mills, noting, "The reception that he got was really pleasing and Stan deserves that." Oxford's next match is an away trip to Huddersfield Town on Tuesday. For Stevenage, the analysis will centre on why they could not turn their home advantage into points. The current league standings show how tight the early season is.
Stevenage must now regroup quickly. The squad has shown it can score, but converting performances into results is the next step. The focus shifts entirely to preparing for the Doncaster match, a chance to move up the table and put this opening day defeat behind them.
