The biggest wins in betting on Oxford United matches
Oxford United Football Club, which plays in the English leagues, does not make the headlines in the world sports media as often as the Premier League giants. However, this team's matches have sometimes been the basis for sensational betting wins.
Victory over Swansea City in the FA Cup (2016)
One of Oxford United's most notable successes was their victory over Swansea City in the third round of the FA Cup on 10 January 2016. At that time, Oxford was playing in League Two (the fourth division in England), while Swansea was a strong mid-table Premier League team. The odds for a win on the website https://jo8bet.com/ reached 8.00–10.00, making them clear underdogs.
The match took place at Cassam Stadium in Oxford. Oxford United showed an aggressive attitude from the start. In the 23rd minute, Liam Serec converted a penalty to open the scoring. In the second half, Kemar Roofe doubled the lead with a header from a cross. Swansea responded with a goal from Jefferson Montero, but in the 66th minute, Rowe scored his second, setting the final score at 3-2.
According to British media reports, one Oxford fan bet £50 on his team to win and received a payout of around £450. Other players who took a chance on the exact score of 3-2 earned even more, as the odds for such an outcome exceeded 50.00.
Draw with Manchester City in the League Cup (2018)
Another match that brought luck to betting enthusiasts took place on 25 September 2018 in the English League Cup. Oxford United, playing in League One (third division), faced Manchester City, the Premier League champions led by Pep Guardiola. The odds for an Oxford win were 20.00, and for a draw, around 8.00.
Despite their underdog status, Oxford put up a decent fight. In the first half, the team defended well, not allowing City to create many dangerous moments. In the 36th minute, Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring, but Oxford did not give up and continued to look for chances in attack. In the second half, Riyad Mahrez scored the second goal, ending the match with a 2-0 win for Manchester City. However, those who bet on a low-scoring match won.
Success against Newcastle United in the FA Cup (2020)
The match at Cassam Stadium ended in a sensational 2-2 draw, leading to a replay. Oxford, playing in League One, were considered underdogs with odds of around 6.00 to win and around 4.00 for a draw.
The game was tense. Newcastle took the lead in the 15th minute thanks to a goal from Sean Longstaff. Oxford responded in the 84th minute when Nathan Holland equalised. In extra time, Marcus Brown put Oxford ahead, but in the 116th minute, Allan Saint-Maximin saved Newcastle by scoring a goal that took the match into extra time. The draw was a sensation, as few expected a third-division team to be able to compete on equal terms with a Premier League representative.
According to sports forums, some players who bet on a draw received significant winnings. For example, a £20 bet on a draw with odds of 4.00 yielded £80. Those who risked betting on the exact score of 2-2 (odds of around 15.00) earned even more.
Victory over Peterborough United in the League One play-offs (2024)
On 8 May 2024, Oxford United played Peterborough United in the second leg of the League One play-off semi-final for promotion to the Championship. The first match ended in a 1-1 draw, and the odds for Oxford to win the second match ranged from 3.50 to 4.00, as Peterborough was considered the favourite due to their more consistent results throughout the season.
The match at London Road Stadium began with Peterborough attacking aggressively, but Oxford defended well. In the 41st minute, Cameron Brannagan converted a penalty to open the scoring. In the second half, Oxford continued to control the game, while Peterborough failed to capitalise on their chances. The final score of 1-0 secured Oxford's place in the play-off final and subsequently promotion to the Championship.