Robinson’s tribute to Joey after real thriller

KARL Robinson admitted his Oxford team’s exciting comeback win over Cambridge United was a fitting sendoff for the late Joey Beauchamp.

The club’s fans sang Beauchamp’s name throughout the match after the winger, regarded by many as Oxford’s greatest player, died last week, aged 50.

Robinson said: “It’s been a hard week for the club, and for me personally too.

“But after this you can raise a glass to an absolute legend of this football club.”

Sam Smith scored early in each half to twice fire Cambridge in front, with

Matty Taylor equalising.

But Oxford stormed back with classic wing play and crosses from Ryan Williams, Gavin Whyte and Mark Sykes, reminiscent of Beauchamp.

Cameron Brannagan hit a late double, and Sam Baldock scored his first goal at home since following his recent transfer as promotion-chasing Oxford chalked up a third win in a week.

The home defence left a big gap in the middle as Paul Digby headed on for Smith to prod the ball past Jack Stevens in the sixth minute.

Taylor equalised in the 36th minute by ghosting in to tap home Ryan Williams’ cross, and Smith’s fine left-footed finish at the end of a fast counter-attack put Cambridge back in front on 56 minutes.

But Brannagan shot home from Sam Baldock’s pullback eight minutes later to make it 2-2, Sam Baldock turned in Mark Sykes’ centre in the 71st minute and Brannagan completed the comeback in the last minute.

“My players stayed true to who they are, in times of great difficulties when we were 1-0 down and

2-1 down,” added Robinson. “We’ve scored nine goals in seven days and been scintillating at times.”

Cambridge boss Mark Bonner said: “When we’ve led in games we have normally seen them through.

“The first goal we conceded was very disappointing and after getting ahead again, their second goal is preventable as well.

“But Oxford were very impressive when it got to 2-2. It feels like they’re playing with 12 at times.

“Their third goal is brilliant, and one we would have been delighted to have scored.

“And the fourth was my fault for urging us to go for it.”