JAMES Henry is hoping for a repeat of Oxford United’s memorable last visit to Charlton Athletic as they attempt to break free of the bottom four tonight.
The midfielder scored the U’s first goal at the Valley in February, where Todd Kane and Ryan Ledson’s late strikes claimed a sensational 3-2 victory.
It is one of just two away league wins in 2018 and a third this evening could move United out of Sky Bet League One’s relegation zone for the first time this season.
Henry said: “It was a real topsy-turvy game and then you had Lego (Ledson)’s great finish.
“The scenes after the game were crazy.
“If we could replicate something like that it would be fantastic, because little things like that can really push you on.
“It is what we’re all trying to do, steer away from that at the moment.
“If we can string a couple of wins together we’ll start looking up.”
The beaten manager eight months ago was Karl Robinson, who left Charlton in March to take over at United.
This will be his first game in charge against the Addicks and admitted to feeling unsure about the sort of reception he will receive.
“I don’t know, that’s not for me to say,” he said.
“Some hated you, some liked you, that’s football. Some will appreciate what you did behind the scenes or on the pitch.
“We had some great moments and played some wonderful football. We had some difficult games as well.”
He added: “The Valley’s a special place to play.
“Our players should be excited about the opportunity to play at the best ground in the league.
“I want them to be successful, I wanted them to go up last year.
“There are so many good people there, from the kit men right the way through to the players.
“It’s a really good club and except for tomorrow night I wish them all the luck in the world, because the fans really want their club back.”
United have pieced together a three-match unbeaten run thanks to a defence which has not been breached in 270 minutes of league football.
And winger Gavin Whyte knows they will have to raise their game at both ends to take anything from a clash against a strong Charlton side.
He said: “We’ll have to play even better and start taking our chances.
“We just need to be more clinical, hopefully starting tonight.”
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