September 10, 2016: Oxford United 2, Swindon Town 0.
THIS year, Saturday, September 10 will be remembered as the weekend football shut down to mark the death of The Queen.
Oxford United were due to visit Shrewsbury Town today after a so-so start to the Sky Bet League One season, putting them 11th in the table with ten points from seven matches.
The last time the U’s played on this day they ended the afternoon in the same position and on the same number of points – but there will have been few clubs in the country in higher spirits that evening.
United had just beaten Swindon Town 2-0 and had the extra satisfaction of seeing their arch-rivals ending the game with nine men.
Chris Maguire rose to the occasion, as he would in the return fixture five months later, scoring through a penalty and charging down goalkeeper Lawrence Vigoroux’s clearance.
The Swindon stopper was sent off in stoppage-time, following Lloyd Jones down the tunnel as the visitors lost their heads on derby day.
United stayed cool to claim a sixth successive win over the Robins, moving above their rivals in the Football League pyramid for the first time in almost five years.
The U’s squad included several players who would go on to feature at higher levels, like Joe Rothwell, John Lundstram and Ryan Ledson.
Meanwhile, summer signing Simon Eastwood was the only member of the 18 who remains at the club today.
Swindon’s team included second-half substitute Jon Obika, who joined United the following year.
The Oxford Ultras’ flag display before kick-off helped whip up an incredible atmosphere at the Kassam Stadium and the early exchanges were played at a ferocious pace.
John Lundstram almost scored with an ambitious effort from just inside the Swindon half that dropped just wide, before Phil Edwards' long-range strike drew a save from Vigoroux.
Maguire was right up for it and forced the stopper to tip an effort over the crossbar, while Nathan Thompson headed off target at the other end.
Both players were involved when United went 1-0 up a minute before the break.
Chris Maguire celebrates his opening goal against Swindon Town Picture: Ric Mellis
Thompson brought down Liam Sercombe just inside the penalty area and Maguire stepped up to fire the hosts ahead, with Vigoroux getting a hand to the shot but unable to keep it out.
Eastwood made a big save from Johnny Goddard, before his opposite number played an unfortunate part in United’s second goal.
Vigoroux hesitated as he looked to clear upfield, with Maguire steaming in and seeing the clearance fly off him into the net in front of an ecstatic East Stand.
Jones was sent off for a second booking shortly after, while Darnell Furlong and Marvin Johnson – making his full debut – spurned good chances at either end.
United’s day was complete when Vigoroux was dismissed for shoving Alex MacDonald, capping a memorable sixth straight derby win.
Oxford United (4-2-3-1): Eastwood, Edwards, Dunkley, Raglan, Skarz, Rothwell (MacDonald 80), Lundstram, Maguire, Sercombe (Ledson 84), Johnson, Thomas (Taylor 71).
Unused subs: Buchel, Ruffels, Crowley, Hemmings.
Video: YouTube/Oxford United Official
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