Oxford has bolstered their chances of avoiding relegation in the Championship with a decisive 2-0 victory over mid-table Watford. The home team's opener came in the 19th minute when Myles Peart-Harris capitalized on a free-kick from Cameron Brannagan that the Hornets failed to clear. Substitute Mark Harris sealed the win with a low shot past Egil Selvik in stoppage time, securing Oxford's first victory in five games.
Despite this win, Oxford remains in 22nd place with four games left to play, following Portsmouth's late win at Middlesbrough. Watford, who have struggled away from home this season, were on a three-game winless streak and had previously beaten Oxford 2-1 at Vicarage Road. The match saw several key moments, including a powerful run from Edo Kayembe and a shot from Nestory Irankunda that was tipped over by keeper Jamie Cumming. Oxford's set pieces proved threatening, with Brannagan and Donley delivering pinpoint free kicks and Peart-Harris causing havoc with his long throws.
The tension was palpable as Watford pressed for an equalizer, but Harris's goal in stoppage time sealed the deal for Oxford. Manager Matt Bloomfield expressed satisfaction with the result but emphasized that the team must remain focused, as they are still below the relegation line.