Oxford United secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against Exeter City in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, but fell to a 4-3 defeat in the penalty shootout. The result came after a frantic finish that saw four penalties scored in stoppage time and an own goal.
Taylor Perry gave Exeter the lead in the seventh minute, assisted by Liam Oakes. Josh Gordon doubled the home side's advantage just after the half-hour mark, leaving Oxford with a significant deficit to overcome.
Late drama and penalties
Jack Fitzwater's own goal in the 78th minute gave Oxford a lifeline. The game then erupted in added time. Anthony Scully converted a penalty for Exeter in the 91st minute, only for Gatlin O'Donkor to reply from the spot for Oxford moments later. Charlie Cummins and Louie Sibley then traded successful penalties, bringing the score to 2-2 and sending the tie to a shootout.
Frankie Phillips, the Exeter goalkeeper, made two saves in the shootout to secure the extra point for his side. Harrison Bradney and James Golding missed their penalties for Oxford United.
Manager Alex Ramsey made four changes during the match, introducing Mo Missanga, Peter Kioso, Greg Leigh and Tyler Goodrham in the second half. Louie Sibley and Exeter's Tobias Alsop were both booked in stoppage time. Oxford were without Ethan Sutherland, who was serving a three-game suspension, and several other regulars as the manager rotated his squad.
O'Donkor's goal was his third of the season across all competitions. The draw leaves Oxford United tenth in the League One standings, with 11 points from six games.
Harrison Bradney described his debut goal against Exeter City as a 'surreal feeling'. The 18-year-old midfielder, who has been at the club since he was seven, scored Oxford's first goal in the 30th minute of the 2-2 draw. Bradney credited manager Aaron Ramsey, stating, "The way he's come in and put his faith into me... Has been amazing." The side's next match is away to Notts County on 2026-10-10.
Manager Aaron Ramsey confirmed the club's first Jersey Mike's Trophy fixture ended in a 2-2 draw and a 4-3 shootout loss. The Herald Series rated Peter Kioso a 7, stating he proved his worth as first-choice right back with perfectly-timed runs. The side, currently 10th in League One, next faces Notts County on 2026-10-10.
