In our series ‘Versus’, we take a look at our next opponents, Oxford United.
Interesting Facts:
- Oxford United were founded in 1893 as Headington United, adopting the name they have now in 1960.
- The original purpose of the club being formed was a way for cricketers at Headington Cricket Club to maintain fitness over the winter break.
- Oxford play home matches at the Kassam Stadium (pictured below), which has a capacity of 12,500 people.
- Oxford’s biggest honour is wining the League Cup in 1986.
- Oxford were the first winners of a major trophy to be relegated from the football league, getting relegated to the Conference in 2006.
Memorable Match:
Peterborough United 4-0 Oxford United
The last match played between Peterborough United and Oxford United was a memorable encounter at the Weston Homes Stadium. Despite having just 37% possession Posh came out 4-0 winners. Siriki Dembélé put Peterborough in front before an Ivan Toney double and a 96th minute Josh Knight goal secured the win. At 2-0 Nathan Thompson was shown a straight red for a tackle at the edge of the box however Oxford couldn’t manage a fightback.
Head-to-Head (In All Competitions):
Peterborough United Wins: 13
Draws: 7
Oxford United Wins: 19
Played for Both:
Alfie Potter
Winger Alfie Potter was a young prospect during his time in the youth set up at Peterborough United. He went on to make his professional debut in 2007 under Manager Darren Ferguson. Following a series of loan spells away from the club, he signed a permanent deal at Oxford United in 2010 following a successful loan spell the season before. Potter went on to make over 140 appearances for Oxford before joining AFC Wimbledon in 2015.
Jonathan Obika
Striker Jon Obika is currently plying his trade at Scottish side St. Mirren alongside another former Posh forward Junior Morias. Obika’s time at Peterborough United was a short one, but he did have an impact in the one league game he played for the club. Obika was in the right place at the right time to score an injury-time winning goal against Brentford during our 2010/11 promotion winning campaign. He joined Posh on-loan from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2011, but left the club just a few weeks later following the dismissal of then-Manager Gary Johnson. He went on to sign for Oxford in 2017, signing from fierce rivals Swindon before joining St. Mirren.
David Oldfield
Central midfielder David Oldfield was part of Barry Fry’s Posh team that won promotion via the Play-Offs back in 2000. He spent two seasons with the club making close to 100 appearances before joining Oxford United in 2002. He later returned to PE2 to spend time as Youth Team Manager and later Assistant Manager to Grant McCann. Ironically, it was David Oldfield, who was in caretaker-charge for the last gasp winner over Brentford in 2011, in which Jonathan Obika netted the winning goal.