adminOxford United captain Cameron Brannagan believes the team’s recent improvement from set pieces is becoming a crucial weapon as they battle to stay in the Championship.
The Yellows have secured back-to-back victories over West Bromwich Albion and Preston North End, scoring five goals across the two matches—four of which came from set-piece situations.
At Deepdale, Brannagan played a key role in the early breakthrough, delivering a precise free kick that allowed Michal Helik to open the scoring just five minutes into the game.
Oxford now prepare for another vital test on Wednesday night when they face Blackburn Rovers in a match that could have significant implications in the relegation battle.
Reflecting on the team’s set-piece success, the 29-year-old admitted it was an area they felt could have been stronger earlier in the season.
He explained that the team had been particularly effective from dead-ball situations last season, and they had recently refocused on improving the quality of deliveries and attacking the right areas in the box. According to Brannagan, that renewed focus has already started to pay off with important goals in recent matches, and he hopes the threat continues against Blackburn.
Throughout the season, Brannagan has often operated in a two-man midfield partnership, though the player alongside him has changed regularly. Brian De Keersmaecker, Will Vaulks, Jamie McDonnell, and most recently Yunus Konak have all shared midfield duties.
Konak, a 20-year-old on loan from Brentford, has recently taken his chance to impress after patiently waiting for opportunities.
Brannagan praised the youngster’s professionalism and attitude, noting that despite limited playing time earlier in the campaign, Konak continued to work hard in training without showing frustration. He described him as a talented player who has settled well into the squad and admitted he enjoys playing alongside him.
Having experienced relegation battles with the club before—both in the Championship last season and previously in League One—Brannagan understands the pressure of the current situation.
He acknowledged that fighting at the bottom of the table is never comfortable but stressed that the team must simply find ways to win games, something he believes they have managed in their last two outings.
The midfielder remains confident Oxford United can avoid the drop, insisting the squad has the quality required to remain in the division. Although he admitted the season overall has not gone as well as hoped, he pointed out that there are still 10 matches left to secure survival.
Brannagan added that belief and confidence are growing within the squad again, and the players are fully focused on the challenge ahead as they prepare for another crucial encounter with Blackburn Rovers. ⚽🔥
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