Oxford United 0-1 Sheffield United: Blades Secure Three Points in Scrappy Affair | OneFootball

Sheffield United claimed their first win of the season after seeing out a 1-0 lead at Oxford United, though the home side threatened late on.

In what was a poor affair, with chances hard to come by, Callum O’Hare showed great composure central inside the box as he swivelled and saw his low effort find the bottom left corner.

Chris Wilder mentioned in the pre-match press conference that he has had sterner words with the players this week, and he made a point to bring in an experienced leader at the back in Ben Mee which saw a change in shape to a back three. Tahith Chong was also set to make his first start for the Blades but the Curaçao international picked up a minor injury in the warm-up and was replaced by Djibril Soumare as a result.

Lineups

Oxford: Cumming, Long, Helik, Placheta (Mills 68), Brannagan, De Keersmaecker, Spencer, Prelec (Dembele 68), Currie (Leigh 88), Lankshear (M. Harris 77) Krastev (Vaulks 77).

Unused: Ingram, L. Harris, Goodrham, Davies.

Blades: Cooper, Tanganga, Hamer (Seriki 85), O’Hare, Burrows (McCallum 77), Mee, Soumaré (Matos 71), Ogbene, Campbell (Cannon 77), McGuinness, Peck.

Unused: A. Davies, Bindon, Zatterstrom, Oné, Barry.

First Half

There was little in the way of clear-cut goalmouth action during the opening exchanges, though Oxford threatened first when Michael Helik saw an early effort blocked before on-loan Spurs striker and former Blade Will Lankshear headed wide.

The game’s first genuine chance came on 17 minutes. Chiedozie Ogbene’s cross found Gustavo Hamer in space down the right, but the midfielder’s strike was deflected wide.

Despite Oxford enjoying long spells of possession, it was the visitors who should have broken the deadlock before the interval. On 41 minutes, Tyrese Campbell blasted wide from near the penalty spot after a superb pass from Hamer which nutmegged an onrushing defender.

Brian De Keersmaecker forced Michael Cooper into a smart save from distance soon after, ensuring the teams went into the break level.

Second Half

OXFORD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United, acknowledges the fans after the team’s victory in the Sky Bet Championship match between Oxford United and Sheffield United at Kassam Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images)

United began the second half with intent, pinning Oxford back. Campbell, peeling wide on the left, saw a cross-shot scrambled clear at the back post, before Sydie Peck headed straight at Jamie Cumming from the resulting corner.

Their persistence paid off in the 65th minute. Ogbene, lively throughout, skipped past Jack Currie on the right and pulled the ball back for Callum O’Hare, who calmly slotted home from close range to put the Blades ahead. There were some appeals from the home fans as they claimed the ball had run out of play for a goal kick, but the Blades did not care and sprinted to the away end to celebrate with the United supporters.

Oxford threw everything forward in response, making a flurry of substitutions in search of an equaliser. Greg Leigh struck the post within seconds of coming on after a corner was recycled, while Sam Long headed wide at the near post from a Stanley Mills cross deep into stoppage time.

But Chris Wilder’s side held firm under pressure, defending resolutely to secure a win. Sheffield United will now look to build on this result and put more points on the board when they host Southampton on Tuesday night.