Oxford United secured a 2-0 victory over Peterborough United in the Carabao Cup, thanks to first-half goals from Tyler Goodrham and debutant Matt Phillips.
Peterborough, still smarting from their play-off semi-final defeat to Oxford in May, were eager for revenge. However, despite creating early chances, they failed to capitalize.
Oxford broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Tyler Goodrham seized on a costly mistake by Peterborough goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic. Bilokapic hesitated when attempting to clear a back pass, allowing Goodrham to tackle him and slot the ball into an empty net from close range.
The lead was doubled just five minutes before the break. Matt Phillips, making his debut, finished off a well-worked move by turning in Louis Sibley’s cross from the right.
Oxford, coming off a weekend win over Norwich, made eight changes to their starting lineup. Peterborough’s manager, Darren Ferguson, made three changes from their last match against Huddersfield.
Peterborough had their chances early on, with Oscar Wallin heading a free-kick over the bar and then directing a corner straight at Oxford goalkeeper Matt Ingram. Ingram also denied efforts from Archie Collins and Abraham Odoh.
The highlight of the first half came when Bilokapic made a full-stretch save to keep out Goodrham’s curling shot from 25 yards.
In the second half, Peterborough pressed for a comeback. Ingram kept out low shots from Cian Hayes and Ricky Jade-Jones, while Odoh fired into the side-netting. However, the visitors couldn’t find a way through.
Oxford had opportunities to extend their lead, with substitutes Cameron Brannagan and Gatlin O’Donkor both coming close to adding a third goal late in the game.
