Oxford United final days including Wycombe and Leyton Orient

As the U’s prepare for Sunday’s home game against Burton Albion, here is what happened on the previous five occasions the U’s went into the last match of the campaign with their fate still undecided.

2015/16

United began the day in the third and final automatic promotion place in Sky Bet League Two.

With Accrington Stanley and Bristol Rovers a point either side, they knew a win over Wycombe Wanderers at the Kassam Stadium would seal a return to the third tier for the first time since 2001.

The sides were goalless at the break, but Chey Dunkley headed home Chris Maguire’s corner nine minutes after the restart to spark wild celebrations among the 11,815-strong crowd.

Chey Dunkley (right) celebrates with Danny Hylton after putting Oxford United 1-0 up Picture: Jon Lewis

Michael Appleton’s men did not look back and Maguire scored a penalty midway through the half, before Callum O’Dowda crowned a perfect day with a stoppage-time third.

It was a good job they did not slip up, as Rovers’ last-minute winner against Dagenham & Redbridge saw them claim the last promotion place, with Accrington held by Stevenage.

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2011/12

The U’s had challenged at the top of League Two all season, but a six-match winless run left them three points behind seventh-placed Crewe Alexandra with one game left.

Goal difference was in their favour, though, so if Chris Wilder’s side could triumph at Port Vale and their play-off rivals lose at home to Aldershot it would be enough.

Marc Richards put the hosts ahead before the break, but Crewe went behind to give United hope.

It did not last long, as future U’s winger Sean Rigg and Ben Williamson sealed victory for Vale, while Crewe fought back to claim a 2-2 draw.

LISTEN: The week ahead at Oxford United

2008/09

In 2009, United’s final-day disappointment was sealed in January.

The U’s, then playing in the Blue Square Premier, were deducted five points for fielding Eddie Hutchinson, who had not been registered with the league.

Wilder’s side had to beat Northwich Victoria at the Kassam Stadium and hope Torquay United and Kidderminster Harriers lost, but they could not quite manage it.

Jamie Mullan put the visitors ahead at the end of the first half, before James Constable’s 26th goal of the season levelled the scores and sparked a pitch invasion.

Oxford United goalscorer James Constable against Northwich Victoria in 2009 Picture: David Fleming

James Constable scored against Northwich Victoria in 2009 Picture: David Fleming

A U’s supporter hit Northwich defender Danny Meadowcroft with the corner flag and a brawl featuring both teams’ substitutes ensued.

After the chaos subsided United desperately searched for a winner, but they were thwarted by visiting goalkeeper Ryan Clarke – who would join them that summer – before Matt Crowell dashed their dreams with a stoppage-time winner.

Torquay’s victory over Burton Albion meant victory would still have left the U’s short, as they missed out on the play-offs by four points – thanks to the deduction.

Read also: Oxford United's last promotion from the third tier

2005/06

May 6, 2006, was one of the most painful days in United’s history.

The U’s, led by legendary manager Jim Smith, went into the final day needing a victory to have any chance of extending their 44-year stay in the Football League.

They were up against Leyton Orient, who themselves required three points to seal promotion, and a record Kassam Stadium crowd of 12,243 watched on.

Eric Sabin gave United an early lead, but Craig Easton headed the equaliser three minutes later.

Eric Sabin rues a missed opportunity against Leyton Orient in 2006 Picture: Chris Young/PA

Eric Sabin rues a missed opportunity against Leyton Orient in 2006 Picture: Chris Young/PA

There were more quickfire goals just after the hour mark, as Chris Willmott struck within 120 seconds of Gary Alexander scoring for Orient.

Willmott was sent off late on, before former U’s player Lee Steele made it 3-2 deep in stoppage-time to seal United’s fate.

2002/03

Just like in 2012, eighth-placed United had a three-point gap to make up on the final day to reach the fourth-tier play-offs.

This time Lincoln City were the team in their way, with the Imps at home to Torquay United and the U’s hosting York City.

United held up their side of the bargain as Steve Basham’s double secured a 2-0 win, but events at Sincil Bank went against them.

Torquay were 1-0 up when Alex Russell tried to chip Alan Marriott with a penalty, but he could only lift it straight at the goalkeeper.

It cost United, as Simon Yeo’s long-range equaliser four minutes from time saw Ian Atkins’ side miss out by a single point.