To mark Oxford United’s 125th season, we are looking back at what made the news this week in three of the club's promotion-winning campaigns

1965

OXFORD United’s first home victory over Doncaster Rovers in a 1-0 thriller at the Manor ranked with their best performances of the season.

The points were vital – had the U’s lost their hopes of reaching the Third Division would have faded.

Jubilant boss Arthur Turner said: “I am delighted, it was very encouraging – in a hard game they never gave up and played really well.”

The goal came in the 20th minute, as the hosts exposed Doncaster’s offside trap with John Shuker’s pass for Graham Atkinson to race clear and score.

Also read: ARCHIVE - Oxford United win at Bradford leaves Chris Kamara fuming over referee

1985

A FLARE-UP which led to Oxford United’s Dave Langan being sent off in a goalless draw at Brighton left manager Jim Smith hopping mad.

Langan was fouled by Dutchman Hans Kraay and the U’s were awarded the free-kick.

But Langan took a swipe at Kraay, who walked a few feet before going into a dive and rolling in agony.

Smith had to restrain Langan before the referee sent him off.

Smith said: “I put the blame squarely on the shoulders of Kraay.

“As I saw it, another professional got a colleague sent off. I was really angry, if Langan had kicked the lad or done something which deserved a sending off, I could accept it.

“But he didn’t touch him and that dive after the incident should have been in the Olympics.”

Also read: Sam Long proud to have overcome setbacks and claim starting spot

1996

GOALKEEPER Phil Whitehead, who had been in outstanding form, was Oxford United’s villian and hero as their five-game winning streak was ended by a 1-1 draw at Notts County.

In a tight Division 2 promotion battle, Oxford were looking good when David Rush fired them ahead.

A weak Whitehead punch allowed Gary Martindale to equalise, but seven minutes later the goalkeeper made a superb save from the same player to prevent defeat.