Oxford United Advance in Carabao Cup with Convincing Win Over Peterborough

Oxford United continued their strong start to the season with a 2-0 victory over League One side Peterborough United in the Carabao Cup, thanks to first-half goals from Tyler Goodrham and debutant Matt Phillips. The win sees Oxford, newly promoted to the Championship, advance to the second round and maintain their momentum after a weekend triumph over Norwich.

Peterborough, looking to avenge their play-off semi-final defeat to Oxford in May, started brightly but were left to rue missed opportunities in the opening stages. Oscar Wallin headed a free-kick over the bar, and his second chance from a corner was easily dealt with by Oxford keeper Matt Ingram. Further efforts from Archie Collins and Abraham Odoh were also denied by the alert Ingram.

However, the match swung Oxford’s way in the 20th minute, courtesy of a costly mistake by Peterborough’s keeper, Nicholas Bilokapic. The young goalkeeper hesitated on a back pass, allowing Goodrham to pounce, tackle him, and roll the ball into an empty net from close range. It was a gift that Oxford gladly accepted, giving them the lead against the run of play.

Oxford doubled their advantage five minutes before halftime with a well-executed move. Louis Sibley’s precise pass from the right found Phillips in the box, and the debutant made no mistake, slotting the ball home to cap off a flowing team move. It was a dream start for Phillips, who looked comfortable in his first outing for the U’s.

In the second half, Peterborough pressed for a way back into the match, but Ingram remained resolute, saving low efforts from Cian Hayes and Ricky Jade-Jones. Odoh also came close, firing into the side-netting as the visitors searched in vain for a breakthrough.

Oxford, who made eight changes from their weekend lineup, continued to create chances on the counter. Substitutes Cameron Brannagan and Gatlin O’Donkor both threatened to add a third goal late on, but the Posh defense held firm.

In the end, Oxford’s clinical finishing in the first half proved decisive, sending them through to the next round of the Carabao Cup and leaving Peterborough to focus on their League One campaign. For Oxford, the victory is yet another sign of their growing confidence as they adapt to life in the Championship.