Michael Appleton delighted Oxford United keep hold of their promotion destiny

MICHAEL Appleton was thrilled to see Oxford United stay in control of their promotion destiny heading into the final game of the season thanks to a 2-0 win at Carlisle United. Michael Appleton delighted Oxford United keep hold of their promotion destiny

Who was Oxford United's man of the match at Carlisle?

Who was Oxford United's man of the match at Carlisle?

Carlisle United 0, Oxford United 2 (Maguire pen 4, Sercombe 73)

OXFORD United moved to within one win from automatic promotion after goals from Chris Maguire and Liam Sercombe extended the club’s record-breaking away season. Carlisle United 0, Oxford United 2 (Maguire pen 4, Sercombe 73)

MICHAEL APPLETON COLUMN: We are determined to send Oxford United fans home happy

WE make the longest journey of the season this weekend to Carlisle – and it will hopefully be our last away trip this season. MICHAEL APPLETON COLUMN: We are determined to send Oxford United fans home happy

Chris Maguire relishing Oxford United's big push

PROMOTION could be just 90 minutes away for Oxford United today, but Chris Maguire knows they will need to hit top gear to fulfil their end of the deal. Chris Maguire relishing Oxford United's big push

John Lundstram pushing for Oxford United recall

THE big selection decision surrounding Oxford United’s starting line-up rests on who gets the nod to start alongside Liam Sercombe in midfield. John Lundstram pushing for Oxford United recall

Oxford United are where we want to be, says Carlisle United manager Keith Curle

KEITH Curle wants to use tomorrow’s game with Oxford United as a test of what Carlisle United need to improve to emulate Michael Appleton’s side next season. Oxford United are where we want to be, says Carlisle United manager Keith Curle

James Roberts eyeing a happy ending with Oxford United after horrible season

FOR someone who has every reason to wish away the season, James Roberts’s return to the fold at the most important time speaks volumes. James Roberts eyeing a happy ending with Oxford United after horrible season

Oxford United boss Michael Appleton hoping for different emotion on return to 'bobbins' Brunton Park

MICHAEL Appleton ended up putting his fist through a flipchart on Oxford United’s last visit to Cumbria, but there’s a chance he could be punching the air in delight tomorrow. Oxford United boss Michael Appleton hoping for different emotion on return to 'bobbins' Brunton Park

Liam Sercombe hungry to hit one last goal target for Oxford United this season

LIAM Sercombe is in the mood for more goals after breaking his second target of the season for Oxford United. Liam Sercombe hungry to hit one last goal target for Oxford United this season

Deadline for Oxford United awards voting is today

TODAY is the last chance for Oxford United fans to play a role in two categories at their end of season awards ceremony. Deadline for Oxford United awards voting is today

Oxford United explore possibility of fourth stand for Wycombe clash

DEMAND for tickets to Oxford United’s final game of the season has prompted the club to look into building a temporary fourth stand at the Kassam Stadium. Oxford United explore possibility of fourth stand for Wycombe clash

Oxford United are where we want to be, says Carlisle United manager Keith Curle

KEITH Curle wants to use tomorrow’s game with Oxford United as a test of what Carlisle United need to improve to emulate Michael Appleton’s side next season. Oxford United are where we want to be, says Carlisle United manager Keith Curle

Oxford United will let train take the strain for Carlisle journey

OXFORD United will travel to Cumbria by train tomorrow following a move by sponsors Liontrust. Oxford United will let train take the strain for Carlisle journey

Oxford United's fitness concerns ease despite Johnny Mullins knock

JOHNNY Mullins is a major injury doubt for Oxford United this weekend, but otherwise worries over the squad's fitness have significantly decreased. Oxford United's fitness concerns ease despite Johnny Mullins knock

RUGBY UNION: Banbury Bulls reaping benefits of youth drive

HEAD coach James Kerr says Banbury will not change their mantra of bringing youngsters through to their first team, writes JACK JOHNSON. RUGBY UNION: Banbury Bulls reaping benefits of youth drive

Oxford United's finale with Wycombe Wanderers is sold out

TICKETS for Oxford United's final home game of the Sky Bet League Two season next month have all been snapped up. Oxford United's finale with Wycombe Wanderers is sold out

Drinks are on me, says Oxford United chairman

DARRYL Eales has urged Oxford United supporters to get up the M6 and be part of a special atmosphere in what could be a memorable away day at Carlisle United on Saturday. Drinks are on me, says Oxford United chairman

Darryl Eales to buy refreshments for Oxford United fans at Carlisle

OXFORD United will thank supporters for making the journey to Carlisle United on Saturday by buying laying on free refreshments. Darryl Eales to buy refreshments for Oxford United fans at Carlisle

Michael Appleton scales back training for Oxford United's walking wounded until Thursday

TRAINING at Oxford United will be kept to a minimum until Thursday to allow the squad's struggling players to recover, according to Michael Appleton. Michael Appleton scales back training for Oxford United's walking wounded until Thursday

Three Oxford United youth team players offered professional contracts

OXFORD United have offered professional contracts to three of their most promising second-year scholars. Three Oxford United youth team players offered professional contracts

Joe Skarz reveals the special diet behind his dramatic comeback for Oxford United

JOE Skarz put his astonishing return from a season-ending injury to a special diet which helped him recover in time to boost Oxford United in a vital 2-0 win against Hartlepool United. Joe Skarz reveals the special diet behind his dramatic comeback for Oxford United

Oxford United's game management praised by Hartlepool United boss

CRAIG Hignett praised Oxford United for the way they ran down the clock in the closing stages to secure a precious victory. Oxford United's game management praised by Hartlepool United boss

It's like we have never been apart, say stars of United's victorious Milk Cup side

STARS from Oxford United's 1986 Milk Cup-winning team admitted it was like they had never been apart. It's like we have never been apart, say stars of United's victorious Milk Cup side

The result was everything, says Liam Sercombe

WINNING was all that mattered to Oxford United so Liam Sercombe was delighted to play a key role, even if he was unsatisfied with his overall performance. The result was everything, says Liam Sercombe

Michael Appleton reflects on a 'hairy, scary 24 hours'

MICHAEL Appleton saluted the commitment of his Oxford United squad as several players battled injury and illness to keep them on track for automatic promotion. Michael Appleton reflects on a 'hairy, scary 24 hours'

Oxford United boss thrilled as "massive gamble" on Joe Skarz pays off

MICHAEL Appleton heaped praise on Joe Skarz after admitting bringing him back into the Oxford United side yesterday was a huge risk. Oxford United boss thrilled as "massive gamble" on Joe Skarz pays off

Who was Oxford United's man of the match against Hartlepool United?

Who was Oxford United's man of the match against Hartlepool United?

Oxford United 2 (Roofe 7, Sercombe 90+3), Hartlepool United 0

KEMAR Roofe’s early goal and Liam Sercombe’s late strike proved the difference as Oxford United got the win they craved to stay in the Sky Bet League Two automatic promotion places. Oxford United 2 (Roofe 7, Sercombe 90+3), Hartlepool United 0

MICHAEL APPLETON COLUMN: Let's give the class of '86 a winning performance

IT is a big game at the Kassam Stadium this afternoon for many reasons. MICHAEL APPLETON COLUMN: Let's give the class of '86 a winning performance

We can prove doubters wrong, says Oxford United skipper Jake Wright

JAKE Wright believes the problems which have threatened to derail Oxford United’s automatic promotion bid have galvanised the squad ahead of today’s clash with Hartlepool United. We can prove doubters wrong, says Oxford United skipper Jake Wright

Michael Appleton pondering Oxford United's left back poser

MICHAEL Appleton’s main selection decision this afternoon rests on who should fill the vacant left back spot for Oxford United, writes DAVID PRITCHARD. Michael Appleton pondering Oxford United's left back poser

Oxford United pay highest agents' fees in League Two

OXFORD United paid out more in fees to agents than any other club in Sky Bet League Two according to the latest figures released by the Football Association. Oxford United pay highest agents' fees in League Two

Whirlwind start at Oxford United whets Andy Whing's appetite for management

ANDY Whing says his role in joint charge of Oxford United’s youth team has given him a taste for a career in management. Whirlwind start at Oxford United whets Andy Whing's appetite for management

Digging out a victory tomorrow is all that matters for Oxford United Michael Appleton

THESE are testing times for Oxford United, but head coach Michael Appleton knows one way or another they need a win tomorrow to stay on track. Digging out a victory tomorrow is all that matters for Oxford United – Michael Appleton

Alex MacDonald so happy to be back in the mix after spell in Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital

ALEX MacDonald is hoping a week which began on a drip in the John Radcliffe Hospital will end with him making a very welcome return to Oxford United’s side. Alex MacDonald so happy to be back in the mix after spell in Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital

Craig Hignett confident there is 'every chance' Oxford United can be upset by Hartlepool United

CRAIG Hignett expects Oxford United to have met their match tomorrow if his Hartlepool United click into gear. Craig Hignett confident there is 'every chance' Oxford United can be upset by Hartlepool United

Darryl Eales keen for Oxford United to raise the bar after family club award

DARRYL Eales is aiming for Oxford United to become the best family club at next year’s Football League Awards after winning the divisional title last weekend. Darryl Eales keen for Oxford United to raise the bar after family club award

Oxford United legends set for return to mark Milk Cup glory

SEVERAL members of the Milk Cup-winning side will be at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow as Oxford United celebrate the game’s 30th anniversary. Oxford United legends set for return to mark Milk Cup glory

Changing system is too risky says Oxford United boss

MICHAEL Appleton has ruled out changing Oxford United’s formation during the run-in as a way to overcome the lack of left backs in the squad. Changing system is too risky, says Oxford United boss

Callum O'Dowda and Alex MacDonald boost Oxford United but Jordan Evans out for the season

CALLUM O'Dowda and Alex MacDonald made a very welcome return to Oxford United training this morning to ease the squad's injury worries. Callum O'Dowda and Alex MacDonald boost Oxford United but Jordan Evans out for the season

Oxford United boss Michael Appleton sweats on the fate of eight

MICHAEL Appleton says Oxford United’s injured players will receive treatment round the clock in a bid to get some of the walking wounded back in action for the weekend. Oxford United boss Michael Appleton sweats on the fate of eight

MILK CUP ANNIVERSARY: The Oxford Mail's Wembley match report in full

Read John Ley's report from Oxford United's 3-0 win in the Milk Cup final at Wembley. MILK CUP ANNIVERSARY: The Oxford Mail's Wembley match report in full

MILK CUP ANNIVERSARY: Joey Beauchamp - the ball boy who became a star for Oxford United

AS a young Oxford United fan, it doesn’t get much better than standing in the middle of the Wembley pitch watching your team lift a trophy. MILK CUP ANNIVERSARY: Joey Beauchamp - the ball boy who became a star for Oxford United

VIDEO: Highlights from Oxford United's draw at Newport County

WATCH the main moments from Oxford United's 1-1 draw at Newport County last night. VIDEO: Highlights from Oxford United's draw at Newport County

MILK CUP ANNIVERSARY: Marathon effort from Oxford United fans who dashed to Wembley

DAVID Horseman was among several Oxford United fans who had the very real dilemma of completing the London Marathon before legging it across the capital to make the Milk Cup final. MILK CUP ANNIVERSARY: Marathon effort from Oxford United fans who dashed to Wembley

MILK CUP ANNIVERSARY: Wembley redemption for Trevor Hebberd with Oxford United

CUP finals by their nature create delight and despair in equal measure - and no-one in the Oxford United side knows that better than Trevor Hebberd. MILK CUP ANNIVERSARY: Wembley redemption for Trevor Hebberd with Oxford United

MILK CUP ANNIVERSARY: Lifting the trophy was a dream for Oxford United skipper Malcolm Shotton

MALCOLM Shotton had dreamed of walking up the famous 39 steps to lift a major trophy at Wembley since he was a schoolboy. MILK CUP ANNIVERSARY: Lifting the trophy was a dream for Oxford United skipper Malcolm Shotton

Nervous times for Oxford United admits Liam Sercombe

LIAM Sercombe admitted Oxford United could feel the tension in the air as they battled to a 1-1 draw at Newport County last night as the squad’s injury crisis worsened. Nervous times for Oxford United, admits Liam Sercombe

Newport County 1 (Elito 14) Oxford United 1 (Bowery 12)

A MAKESHIFT Oxford United clung on to their top-three spot in Sky Bet League Two on goal difference with a gritty draw on a tense evening at Newport County. Newport County 1 (Elito 14), Oxford United 1 (Bowery 12)

Liam Sercombe backs Oxford United to handle Newport County's sandy surface

LIAM Sercombe expects Oxford United will stick to their principles despite the nature of the playing surface at Rodney Parade. Liam Sercombe backs Oxford United to handle Newport County's sandy surface

Michael Appleton makes rallying call as depleted Oxford United head to Newport County

MICHAEL Appleton has called on Oxford United to “fight for their lives” as they look to get back on track tonight despite facing their worst injury problems of the season. Michael Appleton makes rallying call as depleted Oxford United head to Newport County

Theres only one prize Kemar Roofe wants promotion with Oxford United

KEMAR Roofe says he would happily trade the individual accolades he has received in recent weeks for promotion at the end of the season. There’s only one prize Kemar Roofe wants – promotion with Oxford United

Oxford United fans' chat

Have your say on the main talking points at Oxford United in our 60-minute interactive discussion for supporters. Oxford United fans' chat

Kemar Roofe and John Lundstram add to Oxford United's injury worries

OXFORD United are facing an injury crisis ahead of tomorrow's trip to Newport County. Kemar Roofe and John Lundstram add to Oxford United's injury worries

'We let ourselves down', says Oxford United striker Danny Hylton

DANNY Hylton admitted Oxford United let themselves down and suggested they were outworked by visitors Luton Town in a 3-2 loss at the Kassam Stadium. 'We let ourselves down', says Oxford United striker Danny Hylton

We must do better, says Oxford United boss Michael Appleton

OXFORD United were naive in the way they let a winning position slip to concede three poor goals, according to head coach Michael Appleton. We must do better, says Oxford United boss Michael Appleton

LIVE: Kemar Roofe nominated for two Football League Awards

WATCH live coverage of the Football League Awards in Manchester. LIVE: Kemar Roofe nominated for two Football League Awards

VIDEO: Highlights from Oxford United's defeat to Luton Town

WATCH the main moments from Oxford United's 3-2 loss to Luton Town at the Kassam Stadium. VIDEO: Highlights from Oxford United's defeat to Luton Town

Wycombe tickets now on sale for Oxford United fans

TICKETS for Oxford United’s final Sky Bet League Two match of the season against Wycombe are now available to buy online. Wycombe tickets now on sale for Oxford United fans

Oxford United 2 (Hylton 2, Dunkley 51), Luton Town 3 (Pigott 44 & 58, Lee 45+2)

OXFORD United’s promotion challenge stuttered as defensive mistakes saw them slip to a costly defeat at home to Luton Town. Oxford United 2 (Hylton 2, Dunkley 51), Luton Town 3 (Pigott 44 & 58, Lee 45+2)

I've learned my lesson, says John Lundstram ahead of Oxford United return

JOHN Lundstram returns from suspension as a changed man today to boost Oxford United’s options in their clash with Luton Town. I've learned my lesson, says John Lundstram ahead of Oxford United return

Oxford United director Ian Lenagan set to become Football League's chairman

IAN Lenagan is set to take over as chairman of the Football League after being unanimously recommended for the role by its board of directors. Oxford United director Ian Lenagan set to become Football League's chairman

Oxford United boss: Luton’s play-off hopes will add edge to clash

MICHAEL Appleton is surprised Luton Town are not higher up the table, but thinks their play-off aspirations will be good for tomorrow’s game at the Kassam Stadium. Oxford United boss: Luton’s play-off hopes will add edge to clash

Darryl Eales keen to find creative ways to capitalise on Oxford United's Wembley support

OXFORD United are considering sending a questionnaire to all the supporters who travelled to Wembley this month in a bid to capitalise on the interest. Darryl Eales keen to find creative ways to capitalise on Oxford United's Wembley support

Johnny Mullins tells Oxford United fans: You can make the difference

JOHNNY Mullins says a big turnout from Oxford United supporters could prove vital as they look to get one step closer to automatic promotion against Luton Town tomorrow. Johnny Mullins tells Oxford United fans: You can make the difference

Michael Appleton expects race to go the distance ahead of huge week for Oxford United

OXFORD United are about to embark on their biggest week in years which could end in automatic promotion, but Michael Appleton has no intention of looking at anything beyond Saturday at 3pm. Michael Appleton expects race to go the distance ahead of huge week for Oxford United

Jordan Evans aiming to make the most of promotion chance with Oxford United

JORDAN Evans is aiming to make a name for himself in the next month by making the most of an opportunity to play in Oxford United’s run-in. Jordan Evans aiming to make the most of promotion chance with Oxford United

Voting open for Oxford United's supporters' player of the year award

OXFORD United are calling for fans to play a role in two categories at their end of season awards ceremony. Voting open for Oxford United's supporters' player of the year award

Kemar Roofe back in training ahead of Luton clash

KEMAR Roofe will train today after recovering from the virus which struck him down last weekend. Kemar Roofe back in training ahead of Luton clash

Appleton predicts bright future at United after head coach puts pen-to-paper on new deal

MICHAEL Appleton says he feels fortunate to be at Oxford United after putting pen to paper on a new contract. Appleton predicts bright future at United after head coach puts pen-to-paper on new deal

Oxford United top scorer Kemar Roofe short-listed for League Two player of the year crown

KEMAR Roofe's superb form for Oxford United has earned him a nomination for the Sky Bet League Player of the Year Award. Oxford United top scorer Kemar Roofe short-listed for League Two player of the year crown

Oxford United boss: Best goal difference in England is our insurance policy

MICHAEL Appleton has praised the ruthlessness of Oxford United for building the best goal difference in England’s top four divisions. Oxford United boss: Best goal difference in England is our insurance policy

James Roberts return is a bonus for Oxford United boss Michael Appleton

THE return to action of James Roberts on Saturday was a bonus for Oxford United head coach Michael Appleton, who admitted the striker could still play a role in the run-in. James Roberts return is a bonus for Oxford United boss Michael Appleton

Chris Maguire wants more of the same as Oxford United boost promotion bid with big victory

TWO-GOAL forward Chris Maguire is certain Oxford United will be playing in Sky Bet League One next season – if they can replicate the form which saw them tear Crawley Town apart. Chris Maguire wants more of the same as Oxford United boost promotion bid with big victory

Jordan Evans delighted at Oxford United's fightback in Crawley Town victory

JORDAN Evans felt the key to Oxford United’s handsome win at Crawley Town was the swift way they bounced back from falling behind. Jordan Evans delighted at Oxford United's fightback in Crawley Town victory

New-look strike force delights Oxford United head coach Michael Appleton

MICHAEL Appleton admitted he was surprised just how well Oxford United’s new-look strike partnership performed in the 5-1 thrashing of Crawley Town. New-look strike force delights Oxford United head coach Michael Appleton

Jordan Evans delighted at Oxford United's fightback in Crawley Town victory

JORDAN Evans felt the key to Oxford United’s handsome win at Crawley Town was the swift way they bounced back from falling behind. Jordan Evans delighted at Oxford United's fightback in Crawley Town victory

We can go from being so good to being so thick, says Crawley Town boss Mark Yates in Oxford United defeat

MARK Yates bemoaned the way Crawley Town went from “being so good to being so thick” as Oxford United shrugged off an early setback to inflict a 5-1 drubbing. We can go from being so good to being so thick, says Crawley Town boss Mark Yates in Oxford United defeat

Oxford United's finishing without Kemar Roofe delights Michael Appleton

MICHAEL Appleton was thrilled with the way Oxford United shared the goalscoring burden to hit five goals in the absence of Kemar Roofe. Oxford United's finishing without Kemar Roofe delights Michael Appleton

Who was Oxford United's man of the match at Crawley?

Who was Oxford United's man of the match at Crawley?

Crawley Town 1 (McNerney 27), Oxford United 5 (Maguire 39 & pen 72, O’Dowda 47, Sercombe 54, Waring 87)

OXFORD United shrugged off an early setback to completely dismantle Crawley Town and edge closer to automatic promotion with a goal difference-boosting thrashing. Crawley Town 1 (McNerney 27), Oxford United 5 (Maguire 39 & pen 72, O’Dowda 47, Sercombe 54, Waring 87)

Oxford United chairman Darryl Eales '100 per cent comfortable' despite £2.4m shortfall

OXFORD United supporters should not be concerned by the latest accounts which show a £2.4m loss, according to owner Darryl Eales. Oxford United chairman Darryl Eales '100 per cent comfortable' despite £2.4m shortfall

There will be no Wembley hangover for Oxford United, insists Alex MacDonald

ALEX MacDonald is confident Oxford United will not suffer from any Wembley fall-out when they resume their Sky Bet League Two programme at Crawley Town today. There will be no Wembley hangover for Oxford United, insists Alex MacDonald

Former Independent editor Simon Kelner joins Oxford United board

SIMON Kelner has been appointed by Oxford United as a non-executive member of the board of directors. Former Independent editor Simon Kelner joins Oxford United board

Latest Oxford United accounts show £2.4m loss

OXFORD United have revealed their latest accounts show the club lost more than £2.4 million. Latest Oxford United accounts show £2.4m loss

Kemar Roofe's stunning effort in running for Football League's Goal of the Year

KEMAR Roofe's impressive strike for Oxford United against Brentford has been short-listed to be named Mitre Goal of the Year at the Football League Awards 2016. Kemar Roofe's stunning effort in running for Football League's Goal of the Year

Stellar year sees Oxford United's Kemar Roofe voted League Two's best in magazine poll

KEMAR Roofe has been named as the best player in Sky Bet League Two by FourFourTwo magazine. Stellar year sees Oxford United's Kemar Roofe voted League Two's best in magazine poll

Oxford United left back Joe Skarz vows to assist stand-in Jordan Evans after being ruled out for season

JOE Skarz says he will do whatever is needed from the sidelines to assist Jordan Evans during the run-in after being ruled out for the rest of the season. Oxford United left back Joe Skarz vows to assist stand-in Jordan Evans after being ruled out for season

Michael Appleton aiming to keep it simple for Oxford United in final furlong

THE sprint to the line for automatic promotion begins tomorrow with Michael Appleton certain of one thing – the key for Oxford United is to change nothing. Michael Appleton aiming to keep it simple for Oxford United in final furlong

Crawley’s freedom makes them 'dangerous' for Oxford United - Michael Appleton

MICHAEL Appleton views Crawley Town as unpredictable opponents ahead of their clash with Oxford United tomorrow. Crawley’s freedom makes them 'dangerous' for Oxford United - Michael Appleton

Ryan Taylor hopes pain of missing out for Oxford United in short term will lead to gains next season

RYAN Taylor hopes the next time he pulls on an Oxford United shirt in a competitive game, it will be in Sky Bet League One. Ryan Taylor hopes pain of missing out for Oxford United in short term will lead to gains next season

Joe Skarz ruled out for Oxford United's run-in with groin injury

JOE Skarz has been ruled out for the rest of Oxford United's season after scans revealed he had ruptured his groin. Joe Skarz ruled out for Oxford United's run-in with groin injury

Oxford United set to discover if Joe Skarz season is over

OXFORD United are likely to know today whether Joe Skarz will be able to play again this season. Oxford United set to discover if Joe Skarz season is over

Own goal sends Oxford United into Senior Cup final

AN own goal from Sam Elkins proved the difference as Oxford United edged past ten-man North Leigh in a feisty Oxfordshire Senior Cup semi-final. Own goal sends Oxford United into Senior Cup final

Darryl Eales urges Oxford United fans to help in final push for promotion by making remaining home games sell-outs

DARRYL Eales has urged Oxford United supporters to make sure their season ends with a bang, by filling the Kassam Stadium for the final three home games. Darryl Eales urges Oxford United fans to help in final push for promotion by making remaining home games sell-outs

John Lundstram itching to get back in the fold with Oxford United

JOHN Lundstram admitted it was tough watching Oxford United from the sidelines at Wembley on Sunday, writes MARK EDWARDS. John Lundstram itching to get back in the fold with Oxford United

Oxford United top scorer Kemar Roofe in running for player of the month award

KEMAR Roofe's five goals in March have earned the Oxford United forward a nomination for the Sky Bet League Two player of the month award. Oxford United top scorer Kemar Roofe in running for player of the month award

Oxford United's Liam Sercombe quick to refocus on promotion after Wembley defeat

EVEN before he had left Wembley Stadium, Liam Sercombe’s mind was already on the trip to Crawley this weekend. Oxford United's Liam Sercombe quick to refocus on promotion after Wembley defeat

Michael Appleton hoping to use JPT final defeat as extra motivation for claiming automatic promotion spot

MICHAEL Appleton was proud of the way his Oxford United players performed at Wembley, but hopes the disappointment in defeat will spur them on to avoid a repeat visit next month. Michael Appleton hoping to use JPT final defeat as extra motivation for claiming automatic promotion spot

Darryl Eales so proud of Oxford United players and supporters at Wembley

OXFORD United chairman Darryl Eales admitted it was tough to see his club beaten at Wembley, but refused to be downbeat. Darryl Eales so proud of Oxford United players and supporters at Wembley

Jake Wright call was one of my hardest in football, says boss Michael Appleton

LEAVING Jake Wright out of Oxford United’s starting line-up at Wembley was one of the toughest decisions of Michael Appleton’s career in football. Jake Wright call was one of my hardest in football, says boss Michael Appleton

Oxford United goalkeeper Benji Buchel's pain at watching Barnsley celebrate Johnstone's Paint Trophy final win

GOALKEEPER Benji Buchel said he felt empty at the final whistle as Oxford United watched Barnsley climb the steps at Wembley to celebrate. Oxford United goalkeeper Benji Buchel's pain at watching Barnsley celebrate Johnstone's Paint Trophy final win

Oxford United defender Chey Dunkley shrugs off own goal in Johnstone's Paint Trophy final

CHEY Dunkley was philosophical about the moment which saw him inadvertently head into his own net at Wembley. Oxford United defender Chey Dunkley shrugs off own goal in Johnstone's Paint Trophy final

Fulham's Jordan Evans revels in Oxford United starting role

DEFENDER Jordan Evans admitted he could hardly contain his excitement after he was handed a starting role at Wembley. Fulham's Jordan Evans revels in Oxford United starting role

George Waring rueful as Oxford United unable to build on strong first half at Wembley

GEORGE Waring thought Oxford United were on to a winner after a fine first-half performance until Barnsley came back to win at Wembley. George Waring rueful as Oxford United unable to build on strong first half at Wembley

Barnsley boss expects United to be playing in League One next season

BARNSLEY caretaker boss Paul Heckingbottom reckons Oxford United have what it takes to be a force in Sky Bet League One next season. Barnsley boss expects United to be playing in League One next season

Oxford United 2 (O’Dowda 28, Hylton 76), Barnsley 3 (Dunkley og 51, Fletcher 67, Hammill 74)

OXFORD United were edged out by Barnsley in an enthralling Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final at Wembley. Oxford United 2 (O’Dowda 28, Hylton 76), Barnsley 3 (Dunkley og 51, Fletcher 67, Hammill 74)

Oxford United winger Alex MacDonald hoping to make it third time lucky at Wembley

ALEX MacDonald is determined to make it third time lucky at Wembley when Oxford United bid to win the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy today. Oxford United winger Alex MacDonald hoping to make it third time lucky at Wembley

Wembley final will be a family affair for Oxford United's Liam Sercombe

LIAM Sercombe is hoping to make special memories at Wembley with his family, not just Oxford United. Wembley final will be a family affair for Oxford United's Liam Sercombe

Jake Wright so proud to lead Oxford United out as captain at Wembley

NO-ONE has had a chance to play for Oxford United at Wembley more than once – until today. Jake Wright so proud to lead Oxford United out as captain at Wembley

VIDEO: Oxford United's route to Wembley in the JPT

Reports and highlights from Oxford United's run to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final. VIDEO: Oxford United's route to Wembley in the JPT

VIDEO: Barnsley's route to Wembley in the JPT

IT WAS a tale of holding your nerve as Barnsley booked their place in the final at Wembley. VIDEO: Barnsley's route to Wembley in the JPT

Sam Long eager to play his part for Oxford United at Wembley

THIS is Oxford United’s third visit to Wembley, but never before will their squad at the national stadium have had such a strong homegrown flavour. Sam Long eager to play his part for Oxford United at Wembley

Oxford United assistant head coach Derek Fazackerley knows winning is everything

WHEN it comes to knowing exactly what is required on the big occasion, Oxford United have an ace up their sleeves in the form of Derek Fazackerley. Oxford United assistant head coach Derek Fazackerley knows winning is everything

Chairman Darryl Eales living the dream on Oxford United's big day

AS someone who looks like he is having the time of his life while sitting in the directors’ box on a wet Tuesday night at York City, you can imagine how much Darryl Eales is looking forward to Wembley. Chairman Darryl Eales living the dream on Oxford United's big day

Oxford United defender Joe Skarz: We need to take in Wembley surroundings and focus on the game

PREPARATION will be key to determining Sunday’s result and Joe Skarz believes Oxford United’s chances will be boosted if they get things right tomorrow. Oxford United defender Joe Skarz: We need to take in Wembley surroundings and focus on the game

Oxford United head coach Michael Appleton calls on Roy Hodgson and Sir Alex Ferguson for Wembley advice

MICHAEL Appleton plans to seek some last-minute advice from the biggest names in his contacts book ahead of Oxford United’s trip to Wembley. Oxford United head coach Michael Appleton calls on Roy Hodgson and Sir Alex Ferguson for Wembley advice

Adam Hammill the star man as Oxford United's Wembley opponents Barnsley have turned their season around

THE prospect of Barnsley featuring in a Wembley cup final and figuring in the race for the Sky Bet League One play-offs would have seemed laughable to all but their most optimistic fan in the autumn. Adam Hammill the star man as Oxford United's Wembley opponents Barnsley have turned their season around

Milk Cup-winning captain Malcolm Shotton backing Oxford United to win at Wembley

MALCOLM Shotton says his loyalties will not be divided when former clubs Oxford United and Barnsley meet at Wembley tomorrow. Milk Cup-winning captain Malcolm Shotton backing Oxford United to win at Wembley

Oxford United goalkeeper Benji Buchel set to break new ground with Wembley appearance

WEMBLEY Stadium has always been a special place for footballers across the globe and playing there this weekend would mean the world to Benji Buchel. Oxford United goalkeeper Benji Buchel set to break new ground with Wembley appearance

Oxford United stand to net six-figure windfall from Wembley final

WHATEVER the result at Wembley on Sunday, Oxford United will have had a good day financially. Oxford United stand to net six-figure windfall from Wembley final

Oxford United fans hoping their Roofe is on fire at Wembley

FROM a complete unknown to a marked man in a Wembley final – whoever has written Kemar Roofe’s scripts for the past year needs to tone it down a little to make it more believable. Oxford United fans hoping their Roofe is on fire at Wembley

Michael Appleton urges Oxford United to seize the moment at Wembley

IF any Oxford United players are in danger of taking Sunday lightly, they only need to consider Michael Appleton to realise how rare it can be to play in a final. Michael Appleton urges Oxford United to seize the moment at Wembley

Jordan Bowery: Oxford United are going to Wembley to win, not for a day out

JORDAN Bowery says Oxford United will only be satisfied with their Wembley experience on Sunday if it ends with them lifting the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Jordan Bowery: Oxford United are going to Wembley to win, not for a day out