Stanley Mills produced a brilliant late winner as managerless Oxford United stunned Southampton 2-1 at the Kassam Stadium in their first Championship match since Gary Rowett was sacked. The left-sided winger carried the ball from deep in the final minute of normal time, exchanged passes with Will Lankshear and drilled a low shot under Gavin Bazunu to cap an absorbing contest and claim a precious victory for caretaker boss Craig Short.
Earlier, recalled midfielder Tyler Goodrham had thumped Oxford in front with a spectacular half-volley from the edge of the box, only for Taylor Harwood-Bellis to level with a trademark header from Leo Scienza's free-kick. Southampton enjoyed long spells of control and twice came close through Scienza and later Adam Armstrong, but Jamie Cumming and Bazunu were both in inspired form until Mills' individual moment of quality finally broke the deadlock in what was the clubs' first league meeting since a goalless top-flight draw in April 1988.
Saints' Early Control Undone by Goodrham Thunderbolt
Southampton began as if determined to impose their authority on a side that had won only one of their previous ten games. Luke Harris drew the first save of the match with a shot from distance that Bazunu gathered comfortably, and Tonda Eckert's team soon settled into a rhythm of patient possession. Around ten minutes in, Scienza burst into the penalty area and appeared to be sandwiched by two Oxford defenders, but referee Leigh Doughty waved away fervent appeals for a spot-kick, much to the visitors' frustration.