"The Oxford manager Matt Bloomfield made nine changes from the team beaten by Championship relegation rivals Norwich in midweek, including a home debut for Jamie Donley lining up alongside fellow Tottenham loanee Will Lankshear. Despite their relative youth, both players shared the same physical quality as their teammates: a broad-shouldered profile that allowed Oxford to effectively contest the duels and give them a foothold in the match."
"This was made easier still by the willingness of Sunderland to play at a soporific tempo after Le Bris himself made six changes from the defeat at home against Liverpool. Donley had the game's opening chance in the 18th minute with the opportunity served up by Lankshear. Making connection with one of the many long balls aimed over the top of Sunderland's improvised defensive pairing of Luke O'Nien and Nordi Mukiele, Lankshear held possession and teed up Donley"
Rain hammered down on the banks of the River Thames as Sunderland reached the FA Cup fifth round with a first-half penalty from Habib Diarra. The margin flattered Oxford, who put up the meekest of fights in a drab match played by two reserve sides. A crowd of 9,879 created a decent atmosphere despite the weather. Oxford manager Matt Bloomfield made nine changes, handing Jamie Donley a home debut alongside Tottenham loanee Will Lankshear. Sunderland, whose manager Regis Le Bris made six changes, played at a soporific tempo. Donley had the opening chance in the 18th minute but Robin Roefs punched his left-foot effort clear.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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