Jesurun Rak-Sakyi’s first goal for Stoke City earned a 2-1 home win over Oxford United that simultaneously ended the hosts’ seven-match winless league run and inflicted another blow on the visitors’ fragile Championship survival bid. The on-loan Crystal Palace forward headed in midway through the second half to settle an entertaining contest between two out-of-form sides.
Lamine Cisse had given Stoke the lead with his maiden league goal for the club, only for Ciaron Brown to volley Oxford level on the stroke of half-time. After Will Lankshear hit the crossbar with the score at 1-1, Rak-Sakyi converted Sorba Thomas’ cross to restore the advantage and secure Stoke’s first home Championship victory since 13 December. The result lifted Mark Robins’ team up to 13th, seven points shy of the play-off places, while Oxford remain second-bottom, six points from safety with their survival hopes further strained.
Stoke Start on the Front Foot Against Cautious Visitors
Stoke, desperate to arrest their poor run, began with purpose and should have gone ahead as early as the 12th minute. Goalkeeper Tommy Simkin launched a 60-yard kick upfield that picked out Million Manhoef. Although the Dutch attacker was quickly closed down, he still had the composure to square for Rak-Sakyi, who chose not to shoot first time and allowed Jamie Cumming to narrow the angle. When the forward finally pulled the trigger, the Oxford goalkeeper saved well, setting the tone for a busy evening.