Sky Bet EFL Championship
Saturday 27 September 2025
Kassam Stadium, Oxford
Oxford United… 0
Sheffield United… 1
(O’Hare 65’)
Oxford United couldn’t record back-to-back wins in the Championship, falling to a 1-0 defeat at home to Sheffield United.
Callum O’Hare’s second-half goal was the difference between the sides in a game where neither side were able to create much quality.
Gary Rowett named the same side to that which defeated Bristol City 3-1 the week prior, doing so for the first time this season.
It was a return to the Kassam Stadium for Chris Wilder, back in the dugout for his first away game of the season, after returning to Sheffield United earlier in the month.
Last season’s 1-0 victory at home was a cagey affair and it started so again, with neither side creating much in the opening 20 minutes, albeit Oxford were the more dangerous.
It was a half of no opportunities on goal. The Yellows were the more dangerous going forward, but were limited to half chances and shots from distance which Sheffield United managed to block on each occasion.
There was plenty of flair being shown from Gary Rowett’s side, particularly from the wide areas, with Filip Krastev – recently called up for Bulgaria – pulling a few exciting tricks out to leave the visitor’s defence bamboozled.
The first chance of the game came to the opposition on the 40th minute despite the host’s pressure. Gustavo Hamer had the vision to slide the ball into Tyrese Campbell in the box and his first time shot should have found the net but arrowed wide.
United went straight up the other end and could have made it 1-0 before the break. Krastev had the chance to shoot but rightfully laid it back to Brian De Keersmaecker and his shot from the centre of the box 18 yards out went straight at the keeper.
Sheffield United came into the second period and started to show more of a threat, advancing forward with much more purpose and poise.
Then, on the 65th minute they took the lead through Callum O’Hare. Chiedozie Ogbene sped down the right wing but did look to knock the ball beyond the byline. The assistant never raised his flag and his ball in found O’Hare 12 yards out who slotted into the bottom left corner.
The goal brought United forward again, and Gary Rowett made a number of changes in the hope it could spark that attacking threat.
Stan Mills came into the right side and he produced a number of balls into the box and was a threat on his left back, but time and again the ball broke down.
Greg Leigh came on with three minutes to go and immediately forced the best United chance of the game, hitting the post with a turn and swivel in the box.
Defeat for United, with QPR and Watford away next in the league before the international break.
Oxford United: Cumming, Spencer, Helik, Long, Currie (Leigh 87’), Brannagan, De Keersmaecker, Placheta (Mills 68’), Krastev (Vaulks 77’), Prelec (Dembele 68’), Lankshear (M. Harris 77’)
Subs Not Used: Ingram, L. Harris, Goodrham, Davies
Sheffield United: Cooper, Tanganga, Hamer (Seriki 85’), O’Hare, Burrows (McCallum 77’), Mee, Ogbene, Campbell (Cannon 77’), McGuinness, Peck, Soumare (Matos 71’)
Subs: Davies, Bindon, One, Barry, Zatterstrom
Attendance: 11,352 (1,439 away)
50/50: 71050 / £1,350
