Oxford make big statement on return to second tier with victory over Norwich

Promoted Oxford made a dream start to their first season back in English football’s second tier for 25 years with a stylish 2-0 victory over Norwich at the Kassam Stadium.

A goal in each half by Mark Harris and Cameron Brannagan made it a disappointing opening match for the Canaries’ new boss Johannes Hoff Thorup.

Harris struck in the 28th minute, cutting inside and shooting low under Angus Gunn after Grant Hanley failed to deal with Ciaran Brown’s long ball down the left.

Norwich, who lost to Leeds in the Championship play-off semi-finals last season – were outplayed for long spells as Oxford carried on from where they left off at the end of last term.

Brannagan made it 2-0 when he met Sam Long’s low cross from the right with a brilliant first-time strike from 20 yards after 58 minutes.

The U’s, inspired by the vibrant atmosphere in the stadium following the surprisingly comfortable League One play-off final win over Bolton, made a confident start with plenty of possession.

Harris almost connected with Tyler Goodrham’s low cross from the right in the third minute, though he had strayed offside.

The home side pressed effectively and controlled the play, yet they almost gifted Norwich an opening in a misunderstanding between defender Long and Jamie Cumming, Long heading back only for the goalkeeper to have ventured forward – but Cumming rescued the situation by palming the ball out for a corner.

From the corner, centre-half Hanley directed a header goalwards but it lacked power.

After Harris broke the deadlock, Oxford nearly bagged a second goal as Will Vaulks’ long-range shot drifted just past the post.

Impressive summer signing Vaulks threatened again moments later with a 25-yard drive that Gunn parried with some difficulty.

Oxford ended what for them had been an encouraging first half with Harris heading Long’s cross over from eight yards.

Borja Sainz fired a shot on the turn past the post for City.

Thorup brought on Amankwah Forson for Liam Gibbs for the second half but it was the hosts who remained on the front foot.

A Brannagan shot from the edge of the area deflected against the bar with Gunn well beaten.

Des Buckingham’s team were getting increasingly close to a second goal, and when Brannagan hammered in Long’s cross after neat interplay down the right with Goodrham, it was no more than they deserved.

Oxford comfortably saw out the last 20 minutes, with Cumming tested just once when Forson hit an angled shot which he got down low to save.