Bristol Rovers 4-3 Oxford United: Extra-time comeback puts Rovers into second round
- Published
A screamer & a late winner - Bristol Rovers stun Oxford United
League Two Bristol Rovers stunned Oxford United with three goals in extra time as they came from 3-1 down to reach the second round of the FA Cup.
Oxford looked to have sealed a spot in the second round with Billy Bodin and Steve Seddon both scoring in the first half of extra time after the match had finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Sion Spence gave the hosts hope in the 110th minute, heading home to halve the deficit.
Aaron Collins then netted a fantastic equaliser five minutes later, finding the top corner from long range to stun Rovers' League One opponents.
And with two minutes remaining Spence scored his second to complete the turnaround, firing a loose ball into the net to send the Gas into the second round and a meeting with Sutton United.
Rovers had gone in front in normal time through Sam Finley at the start of the second half.
But Oxford were soon level when substitute Matty Taylor converted from the spot after Ryan Williams was fouled by Harry Anderson in the area, sending the match into extra time.
Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton:
"The lads won't sleep tonight. The scenes at the end were unforgettable and they will be replaying them in their minds.
"Oxford bring on all their big-hitters and go 3-1 up in extra time, so you think the tie might be over.
"But what character from our lads. Collins will never score a better goal in his career and Spence nets a great header.
"I am so pleased for the Gasheads because we have been through some tough times. It was pandemonium at the end and the supporters deserve that sort of night."
Oxford United boss Karl Robinson:
"It was a fantastic game of football and all credit to Bristol Rovers for winning it.
"Of course, we are frustrated because we thought we had done enough to win.
"At 3-1 up, we became sloppy and disrespectful of the opposition. We had chances to score again and didn't take them.
"It isn't the first time that has happened. We needed one more goal to settle the outcome and instead paid for some complete stupidity in our defending late on."