Will Lankshear scored twice as Oxford United produced a polished performance to beat Sheffield Wednesday 4-1 at the Kassam Stadium, a meeting of two already-relegated Championship clubs that the hosts dominated from start to finish.
Oxford's relegation had been confirmed earlier in the afternoon when Charlton Athletic beat Hull City, following West Brom's goalless draw with Ipswich, meaning the U's two-year stay in the second tier was over before a ball was kicked. Despite that, Matt Bloomfield's side brushed off the disappointment to register their biggest win of the season, with Lankshear's double and goals from Will Vaulks and Myles Peart-Harris seeing off the Owls, for whom 17-year-old substitute Will Grainger pulled one back.
A Striker in Form Sets the Tone
Oxford needed less than five minutes to take control. Stan Mills delivered a fine low cross from the right and Lankshear met it with a skilful flick past keeper Pierce Charles at the near post for a sixth-minute lead. As the home side dominated, only a superb block by Nathaniel Chalobah prevented Michal Helik from making it 2-0.