QUICKFIRE goals in the first half were enough to secure Oxford United a 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic, as supporters returned to the Kassam Stadium in unrestricted numbers for the first time since February 2020.

A crowd of 8,440 cheered as Ryan Williams and Cameron Brannagan gave the U’s their first victory of the season.

After initially making three changes from the draw at Cambridge United, and five from the Carabao Cup encounter against Burton Albion, Karl Robinson was forced into another when Anthony Forde was injured in the warm up.

Mark Sykes came into the side, with Williams moved to right back.

Charlton edged the opening minutes of the game, shading possession but it was the U’s who carved out the first opportunity on seven minutes.

Cameron Brannagan clipped in a cross for Sam Winnall, who fired a first time volley over the bar.

Moments later, United did have the ball in the net through Gavin Whyte but Sykes’ looping cross had already gone out of play.

The U’s took the lead on 22 minutes, through makeshift right back Williams.

Whyte worked himself some space to fire in a shot which Craig MacGillivray could only parry to Williams, with the Australian scoring in two successive home appearances – 2,667 days apart.

Eight minutes later, United doubled their lead in similar fashion when a clearance fell to Cameron Brannagan, who fired in from just inside the six-yard box.

On 34 minutes, the visitors were handed a route back into the game when Winnall was adjudged to have handled inside the area, with Conor Washington stepping up to send Jack Stevens the wrong way.

Karl Robinson was booked for his protestations to the penalty.

The second half took a while to get flowing – not helped by a delay after Steve Seddon was involved in a clash of heads with Ryan Inniss, with the former sporting a bandaged head after being assessed by the physios.

On the hour mark, United should’ve made it three when Sykes played the ball across the six-yard box for Winnall, however the striker could only stretch and poke the ball wide.

It was a second half of few chances, Jayden Stockley was inches away from a Chris Gunter cross on 72 minutes, while James Henry brought a save from MacGillivray with 80 minutes on the clock.

The U’s held firm and took the three points on an emotional afternoon for returning supporters.

Oxford United (4-3-3): Stevens; Williams, McNally, Thorniley, Seddon; Brannagan, Gorrin, Henry; Sykes (Holland 77), Winnall (Taylor 69), Whyte (Mousinho 90)

Unused subs: Eastwood, McGuane, Mousinho, Agyei, Bodin

Booked: Gorrin, Taylor

Charlton Athletic (4-3-3): MacGillivray; Matthews, Inniss, Famewo, Gunter (Clayden 89); Clare, Morgan, Dobson (Watson 69); Jaiyesimi (Davison 62), Stockley, Washington

Unused subs: Harness, Pearce, Roddy, Elerewe

Booked: Stockley, Famewo

Referee: Thomas Bramall (South Yorkshire)