IT was a year which did not begin promisingly for Oxford United, but by the end even the England manager was dancing a jig.

There have been plenty of defining moments in 2015 and we have narrowed them down to a top ten.

Oxford Mail:

  • James Roberts scores a stoppage-time equaliser to prevent Oxford United slipping to a fourth successive home defeat

1 – JAMES ROBERTS TO THE RESCUE

January 24: Oxford Utd 2, Exeter City 2

The context: Three successive home defeats saw United go into the game just three points above the bottom two.

Boss Michael Appleton gambled on youth, handing a debut to Josh Ashby, 18, in a side which also included Sam Long, Josh Ruffels and Callum O’Dowda.

What happened: United appeared to be heading for a damaging defeat when Alex Nicholls put Exeter ahead on 88 minutes, which chairman Darryl Eales later described as his lowpoint of the season.

It was a classic 'what if' moment - another loss at home would have prompted a big reaction from the home fans and heaped pressure on boss Michael Appleton.

But in stoppage time James Roberts delivered with a spectacular strike to salvage a point which halted a home slump which was threatening to get out of control.

The biggest surprise has been how little the young striker has featured for United since - he started two games for the club in 2015, both coming before the clash with the Grecians.

He said: “You just think ‘swing a foot at it’ because the whistle could blow at any time.”

  • Watch James Roberts's late goal, via Oxford United's official Youtube channel

​Oxford Mail:

  • Lucas Akins beats Ryan Clarke to give Burton Albion a 2-0 lead

2 – THE ONLY WAY IS UP

February 14: Burton Albion 2, Oxford Utd 0 

The context: The U’s were well in the game, but got nothing, summing up a campaign which at best was going nowhere fast, while others feared the worst.

What happened: It became a turning point. Michael Appleton referred to a ‘15-game season’ for the first time, while the match featured debuts for loanees George Baldock and Kemar Roofe, who went on to play key roles in their upturn.

Baldock said: “We are good enough to stay in the division, we’ve just got to put the points on the board and I’m hoping and praying we can do that.”

Oxford Mail:

  • Kyle Vassell celebrates his winning goal with Kemar Roofe

3 – LOAN RANGER COMES UP TRUMPS

MAR 28: OXFORD UTD 2, CARLISLE UTD 1

The context: Results had improved since the Burton defeat, but United’s gap to the bottom two was only six points heading into the clash with fellow strugglers Carlisle.

In their previous home game they were awful, losing 2-0 to Hartlepool, after which Appleton referred to “white noise” from the terraces.

What happened: With the score 1-1 and Carlisle down to ten men, debutant Kyle Vassell came off the bench and within five minutes had bagged a beauty to win the game.

The striker did little else during his loan from Peterborough United, but the goal ensured it was still money well spent.

It provided a boost in confidence and United did not look back, winning 3-2 at high-flying Wycombe Wanderers in the next game on the way to collecting 16 points from their last eight games to just miss out on a top-half finish.

He said: “I wanted to come here and help the club.”

  • See Kyle Vassell's crucial winning goal for Oxford United

Oxford Mail:

  • Kemar Roofe puts pen to paper on a permanent deal, with chief executive Mark Ashton

4 – MAY 11: ROOFE RETURNS

The context: A run of six goals in seven games at the end of the season had turned Kemar Roofe into a terrace favourite.

Most fans who mobbed him on the final day of the campaign at Newport County, where he scored a stunning winner, thought they were saying goodbye.

While his contract was about to expire at West Brom, surely his form at United would prompt a Championship or League One club to make a move?

What happened: United moved swiftly and within ten days had their man. He was followed a day later by Liam Sercombe at the start of a strong summer which also saw the playing surface relaid at the Kassam Stadium.

Roofe said: “The love and interest, which was shown in me from this club, was so good. It was hard to turn down.”

Oxford Mail:

  • Kemar Roofe signs an autograph at Oxford United's open training session

5 – JULY 12-17: TOUR TO AUSTRIA

The context: The idea of United playing in Europe struck a chord with fans, who within minutes of the itinerary being announced rushed to book flights or, in one case, a long-distance bus ticket.

What happened: About 200 supporters turned the trip into a carnival and the U’s players and staff responded, posing after the goalless draw with SC Wiener Neustadt for the photo of the year.

The two groups were already growing closer, but this symbolised a club uniting at all levels.

Gunter Kreissl, Wiener Neustadt’s manager, said: “I think in the whole of Europe that’s not normal.

“Many Austrian fans cannot believe so many people are here and making such an atmosphere.”

Ten moments which defined Oxford United in 2015 - Part Two