Rain poured relentlessly along the swollen River Thames banks, yet Sunderland advanced to the FA Cup fifth round with ease, defeating Oxford United 1-0 without much exertion. Habib Diarra converted a first-half penalty to clinch the win for Régis Le Bris’s squad, while Oxford mounted a feeble challenge in the downpour.
Reserve Lineups in Drab Conditions
Both teams fielded reserve players in this low-priority tie, resulting in a lackluster affair amid soaked surroundings. Despite scant Cup magic, 9,879 fans generated a lively atmosphere.
Oxford manager Matt Bloomfield rotated nine players from the midweek loss to Norwich, handing a home debut to Tottenham loanee Jamie Donley alongside Will Lankshear. The youthful duo matched their teammates’ robust build, enabling Oxford to compete in physical battles and gain early traction.
Sunderland, following six changes by Le Bris after their home defeat to Liverpool, dictated a sluggish pace that suited the visitors.
Key Moments and the Decisive Penalty
In the 18th minute, Donley earned the first clear chance. Lankshear latched onto a long ball over Sunderland’s makeshift defense of Luke O’Nien and Nordi Mukiele, holding up play before feeding Donley. The loanee’s left-footed shot forced Robin Roefs to punch it away.
Sunderland struck first around the 30-minute mark during a rare attack. Christ Makosso bundled into Denis Cirkin inside the box, prompting referee Thomas Kirk to award a penalty despite its soft appearance—no VAR intervened. Diarra calmly slotted the ball into Matt Ingram’s right corner. Home supporters chanted, “One-nil to the referee,” as hopes faded.
Before halftime, Oxford threatened again via Will Vaulks’s long throw. The ball bounced out to Makosso after an initial aerial win, but his header drifted wide of Roefs’s far post.
Second Half Sputters to Conclusion
The interval brought no surge in intensity. Near the hour mark, Sunderland squandered chances to extend the lead: Romaine Mundle, Chemsdine Talbi, Trai Hume, and Mukiele each tested Ingram with sharp efforts, met by sharp saves.
Substitute Jamie McDonnell nearly sparked a comeback, blazing over from a promising position off another Vaulks throw-in. In stoppage time, a final Vaulks delivery deflected off Makosso’s foot, sealing Oxford’s exit.
