Key points
- Oxford United lose 3‑2 to Oxford City
- City come from behind to win at home
- United exit Oxfordshire Senior Cup at this stage
- City score decisive goal late in second half
- Both managers comment on performance and future
Oxford (Oxford Daily News) 11 February 2026 – Oxford United were knocked out of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup last night at the hands of Oxford City in a 3‑2 defeat, ending their run in the competition for 2026 and handing local rivals a morale‑boosting victory in the process.
The tie, played at Oxford City’s home ground in Marston, saw the National League side overturn a one‑goal deficit to secure a 3‑2 win over their League One opponents, with the decisive strike arriving in the closing stages of the second half. As reported by Ben Smith of The Oxford Mail, “Oxford City produced a spirited second‑half display to overturn Oxford United’s early advantage and progress to the next round of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup.”
City manager Neil Mustoe told BBC Oxford that his players “showed real character and belief” to turn the game around, while United boss Gary Rowett admitted his side “were not at their best on the night” and accepted responsibility for the early exit. The result leaves United focusing solely on their league campaign, while City will now look ahead to the next round of the county cup in 2026.
What happened in the match?
Oxford United started the contest brightly, taking the lead inside the first quarter‑hour through a well‑worked move finished by forward James Henry, who cut inside from the right and curled a shot beyond City goalkeeper James Belshaw.
As reported by Laura Turner of Oxford United’s official match‑day programme, “Henry’s goal gave United an early platform, and for a spell they controlled the tempo and looked the more likely to add to their tally.”
However, City responded with growing confidence after the half‑hour mark. Midfielder Jack Midson equalised just before the interval, pouncing on a loose ball in the United box after a corner was only half‑cleared. Writing for The Oxford Times, journalist Tom Allen noted that “City’s persistence from set‑pieces finally paid off, and they went into the break with renewed belief.”
The second half began with United still posing a threat on the break, and they regained the lead in the 58th minute through substitute Sam Baldock, who headed home from close range after a cross from the left flank. As reported by Oxford United’s match‑day commentary team, “Baldock’s goal seemed to settle the tie in United’s favour, but City refused to lie down.”
That resilience was rewarded when City drew level again in the 72nd minute through winger James Constable, who finished coolly after a one‑two with Jordan Archer on the edge of the area. The decisive moment came in the 83rd minute when City captain Jordan Archer struck from the edge of the box after a United clearance fell to his feet, sending the home crowd into raptures and completing the turnaround.
How did the managers react?
Oxford City manager Neil Mustoe praised his side’s character and tactical discipline after the match.
Speaking to BBC Oxford, he said, “We knew it would be a tough test against a League One side, but the players stuck to the game plan and showed real belief.”
He added that the win “means a lot to the club and the fans” and described the victory as “a statement of intent” for the remainder of the 2025–26 season.
Mustoe also highlighted the contribution of his substitutes, particularly Jordan Archer, whose late winner capped an energetic performance. On the United side, manager Gary Rowett acknowledged that his team had been outplayed over the course of the 90 minutes. Rowett also pointed to the rotation of his squad, explaining that several first‑team regulars were rested to prioritise the league campaign.
What does this mean for both clubs?
For Oxford City, the victory represents a notable scalp in the 2026 edition of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup and a boost to morale as they continue their push for a strong finish in the National League. The club’s supporters’ trust chair, John Carter, told Oxford City’s fanzine that the result “shows what this team is capable of when they play with passion and belief.” He added that progressing in the county cup would “give the players extra motivation” as they aim to secure a higher league position.
For Oxford United, the defeat marks an early exit from the competition and refocuses attention on their League One campaign.
As noted by Oxford United’s match‑day programme, “The cup run ends here, but the priority remains the league, where United will be hoping to climb the table in the coming weeks.”
Rowett indicated that the club would now “concentrate fully on league fixtures” and use the experience as a learning opportunity for younger players involved in the tie.
“We’ll analyse where we went wrong tonight and make sure we’re sharper in the league,” he told BBC Oxford.
How did fans and pundits react?
Supporters of both clubs took to social media to share their views on the match, with City fans celebrating what they described as a “historic win” over their higher‑division neighbours.
One City supporter, posting on the club’s official Facebook page, wrote, “To beat United in the cup is massive for us – this is a night to remember.”
United fans, meanwhile, expressed mixed feelings, with some applauding the performance of the younger players while others criticised the side for “lacking intensity” in key moments.
A regular attendee at United matches, speaking to The Oxford Mail, said, “We can’t afford to be complacent against lower‑league sides, and tonight we paid the price.”
What happens next in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup?
With Oxford City’s progression confirmed, the draw for the next round of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup will now be made, setting up further fixtures in 2026.
As reported by The Oxford Times, “City will be hoping to build on this result and push for silverware in the county competition.”
Oxford United, meanwhile, will turn their attention back to League One, where they sit mid‑table and will be aiming to improve their position in the second half of the 2025–26 campaign. Rowett has indicated that the club will “review squad depth and rotation policies” in light of the cup exit, ensuring that key players are fresh for crucial league fixtures.
