May 7, 2016: Oxford United 3, Wycombe Wanderers 0

OXFORD United held their nerve to beat Wycombe Wanderers and secure promotion from Sky Bet League Two on the final day of the season.

The U’s knew victory over the Chairboys at a sold-out Kassam Stadium would book their place in the third tier for the first time in 15 years.

It was goalless at half-time, leaving United perched precariously in the top three.

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But Chey Dunkley’s header, Chris Maguire’s penalty and a late strike from Kidlington’s Callum O’Dowda secured an unforgettable 3-0 triumph.

Only a win was enough for promotion in the end, as Bristol Rovers struck in stoppage-time to beat Dagenham & Redbridge and leapfrog Accrington Stanley, who fell from second to fourth.

It came a decade and a day after one of the lowest moments in United’s history, the 3-2 home defeat to Leyton Orient that sent the club out of the Football League in 2006.

That afternoon was agony for U’s fans, but they were in ecstasy ten years later as they streamed onto the pitch at full-time to celebrate a well-deserved promotion.

Video: YouTube/Oxford United Official

The U’s were never truly under the cosh against Wycombe, but a torrential downpour and some missed chances from Danny Hylton did little to calm the nerves before the break.

United needed a goal to reduce the threat of dropping out of the top three and it came just nine minutes after the interval.

Maguire swung a corner towards the edge of the six-yard box and Dunkley powered his way towards the ball and headed firmly into the net.

The U’s were in charge and Liam Sercombe went close, before Kemar Roofe saw an effort saved by Ryan Allsop.

The League One player of the season was involved again as the game entered its final 20 minutes, with Aaron Pierre adjudged to have fouled him in the penalty area.

Ever the man for the big occasion, Maguire stepped up to send Allsop the wrong way and get the party started.

O’Dowda’s late effort was the perfect ending, concluding a season that brought a Wembley final and Emirates FA Cup giant-killing over Swansea City in the perfect manner.

Oxford Utd: Buchel, Kenny, Dunkley, Wright, Ruffels, MacDonald (O’Dowda 78), Sercombe, Lundstram, Maguire, Hylton (Bowery 85), Roofe (Waring 87).