Aaron Ramsey revels in rare Oxford derby victory over rivals Reading

Oxford head coach Aaron Ramsey was proud of his players after their 2-0 win over Reading earned the club a first Thames Valley derby victory at the Kassam Stadium.

United won with goals from set pieces in the 71st and 78th minutes by substitutes Gatlin O’Donkor and Mo Missanga.

And it ended a seven-match winless run against their rivals – stretching all the way back to 1999.

Ramsey said: “It was brilliant. I’m super proud of my team, the way we performed throughout the whole 90 minutes.

“I thought we controlled the game first half, we had to be a bit more patient and make them work and then in the second half with the demands we put on opposing teams, then opportunities will come.

“I thought the way we got into our structure, our controlling positions were really good, and then came moments of quality.

“When the ball’s out for a free-kick or a throw-in, that’s not an opportunity for us to rest, that’s when we come alive and that was evident tonight.

“With the first goal, in Cameron Brannagan and Gatlin O’Donkor we had two players on the same wavelength – great movement, weight of pass and the finish was exquisite.

“I said to Gatlin and Mo Missanga, ‘look, you’re going to have big impacts tonight and this is made for you boys to go on and get goals’.

“So I’m really pleased that they came on and had those impacts, and moments to share with the fans.

“Gats has been absolutely brilliant for us, he could perhaps have had a couple more goals to what he’s got – his timing, how he can run off defenders to be able to get on to things, he’s been really good for us.

“It was a really, really good night for us, and I hope our fans too are proud of their team. They sung all through the game – it was a real good atmosphere, and we got the win for them so they can go home happy.”

Reading boss Leam Richardson felt his players were too weak in defending set pieces.

Richardson said: “It was a really disappointing night for us.

“I thought first half we were excellent out of possession, nullified a good team to next to nothing – we could have been better on transition.

“Then second half we started really well, had two or three big chances and then we switch off twice on two set plays and the game’s over in five minutes.

“We were so weak around our box for both goals, that was not like us.

“Both goals were avoidable. We lost a duel for the first goal – and the second.

“I take full responsibility for the result and we’ll roll our sleeves up and go again.”