Oxford United vs Braintree Town. The FA Cup First Round.
The Kassam StadiumAttendance3,265.
Tuesday 17 November 2015 22:39, UK
Pat Hoban scored twice as Sky Bet League Two side Oxford avoided an FA Cup shock by coming from behind to beat Braintree Town 3-1 in their first-round replay at the Kassam Stadium.
The National League Premier outfit threatened an upset when they went in front with a 33rd-minute penalty. Joe Skarz brought down Michael Cheek, and Kenny Davis coolly rolled the spot-kick into the net, straight down the middle as keeper Benjamin Buchel dived right.
But Oxford hit back in the blustery conditions and levelled on 42 minutes when George Baldock slipped a pass to Liam Sercombe, who sent an angled 15-yard shot past keeper Will Norris.
Sercombe could easily have had a hat-trick because he fired two shots against the bar, and also miscued a volley in front of goal.
Oxford forced most of the chances in the second half and they went ahead on 64 minutes with a beautifully-crafted goal, Kemar Roofe cutting the ball back and Hoban turning it in from close range.
And Hoban made it 3-1 from the penalty spot on 80 minutes after Mitch Brundle flattened Callum O'Dowda.
The replay then had its third penalty four minutes later when Chey Dunkley pushed Sean Marks - but this time Buchel saved Davis' spot-kick, which was again hit soft and straight.
Oxford are now at home to Forest Green Rovers in the second round.
