Oxford United won 2-1 away at Steven Stevenage on Saturday 22 August 2026, with goals from Gatlin O’Donkor and Cameron Brannagan. Head coach Aaron Ramsey earned his first win in charge as the Yellows moved to four points after two League One games.

First Half

The match began with Oxford in bright form, but a 7‑minute injury to Jamie Cumming forced Ramsey to bring on Simon Eastwood, his first appearance since February 2024. Siriki Dembélé’s long‑range effort deflected wide, and a 25‑minute chance from Ciaron Brown saw Sibley run into the box only to have his shot saved. Stevenage, who conceded just 12 goals at home all season, dominated the first half, creating two set‑piece chances. Houghton headed a delivery, but Sibley cleared; Carl Piergianni’s header was just wide.

Second Half

Oxford returned to the pitch with a more attacking shape. A counter‑attack saw Sibley slip through on the left, but his effort flew over the bar. Eastwood made a crucial save against Jamie Reid at the 50‑minute mark, and Oxford felt they deserved a penalty at 59 minutes after Dembélé appeared to be fouled inside the box. The referee waved away the appeal.

At 64 minutes Ramsey made two substitutions, bringing on Stan Mills and Gatlin O’Donkor. Within two minutes O’Donkor headed in his first goal of the season, after Mills delivered a perfect cross from the right. Five minutes later, with the keeper racing out, O’Donkor was brought down in the box and a penalty was awarded. Cameron Brannagan stepped up and converted, sealing the win.

Late Drama

Stevenage’s Jordan Roberts pulled a goal back in the 90+7 minute, but the late strike did not spoil Oxford’s triumph. The Yellows now sit on four points from two games, and their next fixture is an away trip to Huddersfield Town on Tuesday 1 September.

Line‑ups

Stevenage: Marschall, Piergianni, Freestone, Phillips, Magennis, Kemp, Earley, Vancooten, Pattenden (Houghton 30’), Reid, Thompson. Substitutes: Barden, Taylor, Roberts, Sanderson, Taylor, Patterson.

Oxford United: Cumming (Eastwood 7’), Brown, Helik, Brannagan, Harris (Goodrham 88’), Emakhu, McDonnell, Dembele (Mills 64’), Currie (Spencer 88’), Kioso, Sibley (O’Donkor 64’). Substitutes: Long, Missanga.