A last second header saw Oxford United beaten 2-1 at Northampton this afternoon this afternoon.
Trailing to a Kieron Bowie header early in the second half, United looked to have grabbed a point when Cameron Brannagan blasted home a penalty, but a 97th minute header from Tyreece Simpson broke their hearts and continued the home side's upwards trajectory.
Unchanged after their comfortable win over Burton, United were not quite as fluent but might have taken an early lead when Mark Harris curled a perfect pass into the path of the flying Josh Murphy. Few full-backs will catch him but Murphy’s low drive was too close to keeper Max Thompson who saved with his legs to keep it at 0-0.
There were further chances for Stan Mills at the back post, but Northampton also saw three efforts sail off target from the lively Sam Hoskins, while Marc Leonard forced a good save out of James Beadle in an entertaining first half where both sides had good attacking intentions.
Murphy was the danger man but unfortunately he was unable to take his place for the second half, with Tyler Goodrham coming on for his 50th substitute appearance for the U’s.
While United were adjusting to those changes, Northampton took advantage. Bowie should have scored but hit the left-hand post with a header, but seconds later he adjusted his sights and a header under insufficient pressure from similar range found the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
It might have been two as we reached the hour but Leonard was off target with only Beadle to beat. That would probably have sealed the game but instead, having ridden their luck, United were swiftly back on level terms as Brannagan blasted them level from the spot.
Mills made it, driving into the box and being tripped by Patrick Brough. Brannagan did the rest from the spot, thumping home his fifth of the season to the delight of the sold-out away fans behind that net.
Neither side settled for a point and the game became increasingly stretched, but the keepers weren't further extended until the 7th minute of six added on.
Former U's hero Danny Hylton won a free kick wide on the right and Simpson, on as a sub seconds earlier alongside Hylton, rose to power a header downwards and inside the left-hand post to spark huge celebrations among the Sixfields faithful.
Cobblers.
Regroup, recharge and we go again on Boxing Day. Players too. See you there.
Att: 7,581 including 1,467 away
Report by Chris Williams, pictures Steve Edmunds, Steve Daniels, Darrell Fisher