Oxford United claimed a much-needed victory as Przemyslaw Placheta’s superb solo strike sealed a memorable win against Ipswich Town, who missed the opportunity to climb to second place in the Championship.
Coming off the bench, Placheta made an immediate impact. He chased down a perfectly-weighted long ball from Brian de Keersmaecker, controlled it beautifully, burst into space, and coolly tucked his finish past Christian Walton. The goal capped a strong Oxford performance despite having little of the ball.
Ipswich had earlier levelled the score through Leif Davis, who produced a stunning volley from the edge of the box straight from a corner routine. His technique and precision briefly shifted momentum toward the visitors.
But Oxford had taken the lead in the first half when Azor Matusiwa misplaced a back-pass, allowing Mark Harris to pounce. Although his first attempt was saved, he reacted quickest to slot in his first goal of the season.
With this win—Oxford’s first in six matches—Gary Rowett’s side climbed out of the relegation zone to 19th. Ipswich, meanwhile, remain fifth as their six-match unbeaten run came to an end.
“It was a big game for us and the players showed real energy,” Oxford boss Gary Rowett said.
“We knew we couldn’t sit back all game and had to be brave.”
Oxford Push Forward as Ipswich Reflect on Missed Chances
Given the form Ipswich carried into the match, Oxford were not expected to take anything from the contest, especially with just 27% possession. But after Davis brought Ipswich level, Rowett’s men grew in confidence and created enough chances to win by more than a single goal.
Ole Romeny came close when his curling effort narrowly missed the far post. Tyler Goodrham was denied by Walton, and De Keersmaecker fired inches wide from distance.
Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich, who hope to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League, now enter a decisive fortnight. After a rearranged midweek trip to Blackburn, they will face leaders Coventry and second-placed Stoke within five days—a stretch that could define their season.
Oxford, too, face a crucial pre-Christmas period. They travel to Swansea and Blackburn—two sides sitting around them in the table—before returning home to face Preston.
Despite controlling possession and producing 18 shots, Ipswich lacked the clinical touch. Their equaliser, a well-executed volley from Davis, came from a rehearsed set-piece, but they failed to capitalise on their dominance. Jaden Philogene forced Jamie Cumming into a sharp save after a tricky bounce, and Marcelino Nunez tested the goalkeeper with a long-range attempt.
However, Placheta’s breakaway goal deflated Ipswich, who must quickly regroup for a potentially heated clash at Ewood Park. Their previous meeting in September was abandoned at 79 minutes due to a waterlogged pitch, and the EFL ordered a full replay.
“We weren’t clinical enough in our big moments,” admitted Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna.
“It feels like we handed the game away with two poor goals.”
With both teams entering defining stretches of the season, this match may prove a significant turning point for Oxford’s survival hopes—and a frustrating setback in Ipswich’s push for promotion.
