In the run up to this fixture nothing but excitement filled the minds of Oxford United supporters. Long-term season ticket holder's such as my self are rarely treated to a cup run, let alone a third round draw against a Premier League team!
Arriving at the ground, the first thing we noticed was tighter security at the hotel we usually park at. Despite being permit holders to the car park we were told we didn't have access for today's game and would be clamped if we parked. We decided to ignore this threat, and duly parked up.
Swansea made 10 changes to the side that played their last Premier League game, with midfielder Jack Cork the only player keeping his place. The likes of Bafetimbi Gomis, Jonjo Shelvey and Jefferson Montero, all established high level players, were starting. With Alan Curtis officially appointed as Head Coach a matter of days ago, we knew the Swansea team would be out with a point to prove to their new manager.
As for Oxford, we have been in stuttering form of late, a fine comeback win away to Notts County last week has improved the feeling though. Key players maintaining their fitness is going to be key if we want to progress, and fortunately there were no injury concerns ahead of the Swansea game.
Instrumental players including Kemar Roofe, George Baldock and John Lundstram have been a breath of fresh air for The U's. With this trio fit, an upset was a definite possibility.
As the game got underway the atmosphere was electric. 'Rise like the Spirit of 86' was the tifo held up before the match in the East Stand, the players and fans alike were certainly rising to the occasion in the opening stages.
It was the home side who made the better start, with Oxford having more possession, similar to their league matches this season.
But Swansea took the lead with a superbly worked goal. Baldock had marked Swansea winger Montero very well all game, but the Ecuadorian showed his class for the opener. A long run down the left bamboozled the defence, and after exchanging passes with Marvin Emnes, Montero backheeled the ball past Sam Slocombe. A truly fantastic goal, one of the best I've ever seen at the Kassam.
The goal was undeserved, and Oxford continued as they started with controlled, patient play. Shelvey continued to look uninterested for Swansea, and hit long-range shots far and wide before Oxford got their equaliser.
Alex MacDonald turned past a lunging Kyle Bartley to earn Oxford a penalty. Oxford's recent form regarding penalties has been inconsistent to say the least. But Liam Sercombe fired the ball level in front of the Fence End to but the League Two side level.
Half time was greeted by a standing ovation from the home fans. A truly fantastic display, with the deserved goal at the end of it. I couldn't believe it.
After the break Oxford quickly capitalised on the momentum they gained before half time. Man of the moment, Kemar Roofe curled into the bottom right corner from the top left corner of the box. A finish that is becoming the youngster's trademark finish. After the game Kemar said he used to watch Thierry Henry finish similarly, and he always wanted to emulate his idol, he certainly had done today.
Suddenly the whole country were tuning in to a potential 'giant killing' on this cold Sunday afternoon. And Oxford continued to press! It was brilliant to watch, we were fearless, something I've never been able to say about us in all my years supporting the club.
As Swansea continued to press they forced a corner, a corner that Oxford broke away and scored their third from. Chris Maguire took the ball up the left side of the pitch before playing in Roofe who was in acres of space in the middle. The defender couldn't touch him, and he shot under the keeper, who got a touch to it, but the ball looped into the net. Cue pandemonium.
The next few seconds were a bit of a blur, but hugging my Dad is what I remember from the celebrations. A French chap who has never been to an Oxford game was sat next to me, "It's always this good" I told him.
The awareness from Maguire to pick out Roofe was terrific. A textbook breakaway goal. The stadium was bouncing.
Swansea hit back in the 66th minute through Gomis, the French international confidently finished across the keeper from a fantastic Jack Cork through ball. Swansea had just demonstrated the Premier League quality they possess and set up a truly tense final quarter of the match.
Oxford rode some sustained Swansea pressure for ten minutes, after which they pressed on and looked for a fourth. Substitute Patrick Hoban had a chance to play in Maguire, but opted to run for the corner flag instead, much to Maguire's disbelief.
And that was it! FULL TIME! We had beaten a Premier League side!
I suddenly had emotions of immense pride. You go through so much disappointment supporting a team in the lower divisions, but a day like today makes it all worth it. Our performance was superb, no one can deny that we were deserved winners. It was the best performance I've ever seen from an Oxford United side.
John Lundstram, Kemar Roofe, Chris Maguire, George Baldock and Liam Sercombe were the stand out performers. Such class from all five of them will surely have higher positioned teams circling in this January transfer window.
Hopefully those in the crowd who are usually part-time supporters of Oxford United will be tempted back in the future after today's entertainment.
We get back to our car and it isn't clamped which is a result.
The next day we are on the back page of every national newspaper - this sort of thing doesn't happen to us! I put every newspaper I can find at work in my bag and take them home to treasure.
Higher league opposition await us next, with a midweek trip to Millwall in the JPT area final.
What an exciting time to support Oxford United.
-Michael
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