LIFELONG Oxford United supporter Dean Soanes was this week’s winner of our Face In The Crowd promotion.

The 44-year-old computer analyst from Kidlington said the £75 prize couldn’t have come at a better time.

He said: “Only the other day, I promised my wife that I’d pay for our new carpet, so this is fantastic timing from the Oxford Mail.”

Mr Soanes was at the Kassam Stadium with his family on Saturday, watching the U’s 2-1 win over Port Vale.

He said: “I’ve supported Oxford since I was 10 and held a season ticket since I was 16, so it’s a huge part of my life.

“I’ve actually only ever missed two home games in all those years, and one of those was for my sister’s wedding.”

Mr Soanes discovered he had won the competition when a friend sent him a text message on Monday morning.

He said: “I was really shocked, our paper hadn’t arrived yet but he said ‘look at page 37, you’re on it.’ “It’s really starting to pay off being an Oxford supporter, as I won the club’s 50/50 draw at the end of last season.

“So my wife, Samantha, reckons we should really start playing the Lottery – I’m definitely on some sort of lucky streak.” Picture: Richard Cave l We are giving away £75 to our Face In The Crowd winner from every home league game this season.