Preston North End and Oxford United faced off at Deepdale on January 4, 2025, with the game concluding in a tense 1-1 draw. Both teams showcased determination, but it was Oxford who struck first, taking the lead thanks to Ruben Rodrigues, before Will Keane equalized for Preston late in the second half.
Under the guidance of new manager Gary Rowett, Oxford United entered the match riding high on three consecutive victories. Their previous wins came against Cardiff City, Plymouth Argyle, and Millwall on New Year’s Day, marking Rowett's solid start at the helm. Nevertheless, the challenge at Deepdale was significant; Preston North End had not been one's to underestimate.
The opening moments of the match demonstrated the home side's intent, as Preston pressed forward early on. Sam Greenwood was particularly effective, forcing Oxford goalkeeper Jamie Cumming to make several key saves within the first ten minutes. Despite this early dominance, it was Oxford who struck first when Rodrigues capitalized on a goalkeeping error by Preston's Freddie Woodman after just 21 minutes.
Rowett's tactical decisions were put to the test early, as U’s captain Elliott Moore was out due to injury, prompting changes in the lineup. Peter Kioso filled the right-back role, with Sam Long shifting to center back. The changes shifted dynamics for Oxford but initially seemed to pay off when Rodrigues scored, rewarding the team with their first real chance on goal.
Preston's frustration grew as they found ways to threaten the Oxford goal, but their endeavors were thwarted time and again by Cumming, who showcased his skills with impressive saves. The first half concluded with Oxford holding onto their 1-0 lead, much to Rowett's relief as he acknowledged the U's luck to be up at the break.
For the second half, Oxford made strategic adjustments, shifting from their original formation to match Preston's dominance more accurately. The change was intended to provide more defensive support without sacrificing their attacking potential. Despite their efforts, it was Preston who eventually found the back of the net through Keane, who headed home from close range after 69 minutes, equalizing the match.
Gary Rowett reflected on the match, admitting his side appeared 'leggy' at times and acknowledged the challenges of maintaining the same level of performance after three successive wins. He noted, “I think it was a gamble to try and keep the continuity. I knew today it might be a challenge.”
Rowett considered the draw as one of resilience, stating, “To not play particularly well and get a point here, in my opinion, is the best result of the four,” emphasizing the character shown by his squad.
On the other side, Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom expressed frustration at his players' inability to secure the win, lamenting their missed opportunities and highlighting Woodman's error leading to the Oxford goal. “We were wasteful... we know how well they’ve been doing and we know how well Gary (Rowett) can organize his teams,” he remarked.
Overall, the match illustrated the competitive nature of the Championship, with both teams leaving with something to build upon. The performance demonstrated Oxford's ability to adapt under pressure, aiming to extend their unbeaten run, now four matches long. Both teams will return to the training ground with lessons learned and another match day on the horizon, aiming for improvement.