Haji Wright scored a dramatic winner six minutes into stoppage time, securing Coventry City’s first victory of the season with a 3-2 triumph over Oxford United at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Mark Robins’ side initially took the lead twice, thanks to goals from Wright and Milan van Ewijk, but were pegged back by Ciaran Brown and Mark Harris before Wright sealed the match.
Wright demonstrated his impact early, scoring within 15 minutes with a powerful header from van Ewijk’s excellent cross. He nearly assisted teammate Ellis Simms soon after, but indecision in the box allowed Brown to equalize with a well-placed shot.
Coventry had dominated the first half, with Jack Rudoni—making his home debut after joining from Huddersfield—missing a chance that rattled past the post. Wright had an opportunity to restore the lead but his close-range header was saved by Oxford’s goalkeeper, Jamie Cumming.
After struggling to find a league win since a 1-0 victory over Leeds on April 6, Coventry regained the lead with Van Ewijk rifling a loose ball into the bottom corner. However, the atmosphere shifted after the break when Harris capitalized on a cross from Reuben Rodrigues to level the score.
Oxford sought their first away point in the second tier since 1999, with Cumming producing brilliant saves to deny Binks and Wright. Yet, it was Wright who had the last laugh, intercepting a poor backpass from Will Vaulks, rounding Cumming, and slotted the ball into an empty net.
Managers’ Reactions
Coventry’s manager, Mark Robins, reflected on the match, stating, “It was a really tough game, and we knew it would be. I thought we had good possession and created some excellent chances, but we need to tighten up on a few things since the goals we conceded were poor. Overall, we deserved the win.”
Oxford’s Des Buckingham commented on his team’s performance: “I can’t ask for much more from the players. We’ve made significant progress as a club in a short time. While I’m frustrated not to come away with points, I’m pleased with the performance across three games in six days.”
With this result, Coventry begins their campaign positively, while Oxford reflects on a competitive outing that offers promise for their future matches.
Credit: Sky Sports
