Emirates FA Cup First Round
Saturday 7 November 2026
Kassam Stadium, Oxford
Oxford United… 0
Stevenage… 1
(Piergianni 4’)
An early goal from Stevenage’s Carl Piergianni proved decisive as Oxford United were knocked out of the FA Cup in the First Round, despite a spirited second-half performance.
Piergianni’s header inside the opening four minutes was enough to separate the sides in a game that also proved a positive occasion for the Oxford United Academy, with 14 of the 20 players in the matchday squad having progressed through the Club’s youth system.
Aaron Ramsey made several changes to the side that secured victory in Wednesday night’s Thames Valley Derby. There was also a late alteration during the warm-up, with Louie Sibley forced to withdraw and Tyler Goodrham stepping into the starting XI.
United made a difficult start to proceedings, falling behind inside four minutes. A cross from the right found Piergianni unmarked at the back post, where the Stevenage defender guided a header across goal and into the bottom-right corner.
The U’s gradually began to settle into the game following the early setback, although clear-cut opportunities were initially limited. Their first notable chance fell to Gatlin O’Donkor, who broke into the penalty area before his effort was blocked by a well-timed challenge from a Stevenage defender.
The visitors threatened again on 26 minutes when Tugra Turhan saw his effort from 12 yards deflected narrowly wide. Benjamin Broggio then fired wide from an angle after Stevenage caught United on the counter-attack.
Having weathered those two dangerous moments, United almost found an equaliser just before the interval. Harrison Bradney produced a powerful strike from the edge of the area, forcing the Stevenage goalkeeper into an excellent diving save.
The U’s started the second half positively and came close to drawing level when Greg Leigh met a Goodrham free-kick delivery, only to head narrowly over the crossbar from close range.
Goodrham was again the provider on 67 minutes, delivering an excellent free-kick from deep into the penalty area. O’Donkor rose highest and directed a powerful header towards goal, but Tommy Setford produced an outstanding fingertip save to preserve Stevenage’s advantage.
Ramsey subsequently turned to his bench, with Maeson Vaughan, Jack Lee and Josh Holton all introduced to make their debuts for the Club.
Despite United's late pressure and efforts to find a way back into the contest, the equaliser ultimately proved elusive, bringing their FA Cup campaign to an end at the First Round stage.
While the result was disappointing, there were plenty of positives for the Club to take from the afternoon. Four players made their first-team debuts, while 14 of the 20-man squad were products of the Oxford United Academy, underlining the strength of the Club’s youth development pathway.
Attention now turns to Tuesday night, when the U’s return to action in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy against Cheltenham Town.
Oxford United: Eastwood, Long, O'Donkor, Lynch (Lee 77’), Leigh (Roosken 62’), Golding, Snowden (Emakhu 62’), Goodrham, Bradney (Holton 77’), Lacey, Missanga (Vaughan 90’)
Subs: Marriott, Griffiths, Collins
Attendance: 2885
50/50: 145547. £345
