FA Cup: Oxford United Advance Past MK Dons As Bloomfield Watched On

Oxford United reached the FA Cup fourth round after a tense penalty shootout win over MK Dons, recovering from a goal down and prolonged pressure. The tie finished 1-1 after extra time, before Oxford converted four spot-kicks out of four to progress 4-3 on penalties.

MK Dons had led in normal time when Aaron Collins met Connor Lemonheigh-Evans' cross from close range, punishing Oxford United’s fragile league form. That first-half strike looked decisive for long periods, yet the Championship side stayed in the contest and finally forced an equaliser soon after the interval.

Newly appointed head coach Matt Bloomfield observed from the touchline as Oxford United initially struggled to impose control, but a key turning point came seven minutes after

half-time. Will Lankshear struck from inside the box, drawing Oxford level and sending the tie towards extra time as both teams failed to add a second goal.

Neither side found a breakthrough in extra time, setting up a decisive shootout for a place in the FA Cup fourth round. Oxford United were flawless from the spot, scoring all four penalties taken. MK Dons missed twice, with Jonathan Leko off target and Matt Ingram later denying Lemonheigh-Evans.

Into the next round! #OUFC | FT: 1 - 1 P: 3 - 4 pic.twitter.com/KEM0ygcdTBOxford United (@OUFCOfficial) January 9, 2026

The FA Cup fourth round line-up also features League One side Wigan Athletic, who produced a surprise 1-0 win away at Preston North End. Preston are chasing promotion from the Championship, yet created 12 attempts at goal without scoring, and struggled to convert pressure into clear chances at Deepdale.

Teenager Harrison Bettoni decided that tie with a 75th-minute strike, making history in this season’s competition. At 18 years and 169 days, Bettoni became the youngest player to score in the FA Cup proper from the first round onwards this campaign, delivering a major moment for Wigan Athletic.

FA Cup fourth round data: Oxford United statistics and Port Vale progress

Port Vale also booked a place in the FA Cup fourth round, achieving the club’s first appearance at that stage since the 2013-14 season. Jonathan Brady’s first match in charge ended positively, as Jordan Shipley scored during first-half stoppage time to secure a 1-0 success over Fleetwood Town.

Oxford United ended a long wait to move beyond the third round, having last gone further in 2019-20. A closer look at the numbers shows MK Dons creating the better chances on the night, with Oxford relying on resilience, penalty precision and key saves from goalkeeper Matt Ingram.

MK Dons recorded 13 shots and generated 2.25 expected goals, with scorer Aaron Collins responsible for 1.79 xG. Oxford United attempted 18 shots but produced only 1.4 xG overall. It was another difficult FA Cup third-round outing for Paul Warne, who has now exited seven of eight ties at this stage.