Stoke City Vs Oxford Utd: Rak-Sakyi header seals 2-1 win

In a midweek Championship clash, stoke city vs oxford utd finished 2-1 as Jesurun Rak-Sakyi restored the hosts' lead early in the second half. The 23-year-old, on loan from Crystal Palace, scored his first Stoke City goal and grabbed the winner in the 56th minute; other coverage places the header after 57 minutes.

Match recap and key moments

Stoke took the lead through Lamine Cisse on 37 minutes after a swift move in which Million Manhoef played him in; Cisse converted sweetly past Jamie Cumming. Oxford were level on the stroke of half-time when Will Vaulks chipped into the box, Stanley Mills headed across the face of goal and Ciaron Brown volleyed home from eight yards.

Stoke City Vs Oxford Utd match facts

Tommy Simkin initiated a promising Stoke move in the 12th minute with a pass through the middle for Million Manhoef, who played in Jesurun Rak-Sakyi; Rak-Sakyi fired a low shot at Jamie Cumming. Five minutes later the Oxford goalkeeper denied Eric Bocat's low drive. Sorba Thomas tested the target with a 20th-minute shot that flew wide, and Will Lankshear had the visitors' first sight of goal on 25 minutes with a shot from the edge gathered by Simkin.

Goals, timing and chances

Oxford went close to a second on 53 minutes when Lankshear backheeled a powerful Cameron Brannagan free-kick against the Stoke crossbar. Just three minutes after that the hosts restored their lead as Rak-Sakyi was at the far post to head home following a delicate left-wing cross from Thomas, which was the eighth assist of the campaign for Thomas. Sky coverage notes Rak-Sakyi converted Sorba Thomas' cross after 57 minutes and describes Cisse's strike as his maiden league goal for Stoke on his 24th attempt; text places the decisive header in the 56th minute.

Stoke performance and manager reaction

The result eased pressure on Stoke, who were described as being dragged into a relegation scrap but remain seven points shy of the play-off places. Stoke City manager Mark Robins said: "I'm pleased with some of the performance and the result, immensely. I am pleased with the way the supporters stuck by us and helped us get that result over the line. " He added: "When there is an opponent sat in front of you with a low block or a mid block then it is really difficult to break down. We knew we had to play in a certain way, and I thought we got the balance almost spot on. The only disappointment for me was the defending on the set-play and we allowed them back into the game when we should have been one, two or three up by that stage. "

Season context and squad notes

Stoke celebrated a first home Championship success since December 13 and completed the league double over relegation-threatened Oxford. One account states the win ended a seven-match winless league run; another preview placed Stoke on an eight-match winless run in the league. Sports coverage by Calum Burrowes, dated 23 Feb 2026 13: 17 and last updated 23 Feb 2026 17: 45, noted Stoke had started the calendar year with three consecutive victories but were now winless in eight, had drawn four times during the difficult run, suffered defeats to sides below them, and exited the FA Cup. That preview also recorded that seven points separate Stoke from sixth-placed Wrexham with 13 matches remaining.

On the injury front, a shoulder injury to Viktor Johansson has meant their first-choice goalkeeper is yet to play in 2026; Tommy Simkin has resumed in between the sticks and backup goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is unavailable. Stoke appear to have come away from their latest clash with no further injuries, though Robins may be tempted to change things up.

Oxford's situation and wider table details

The U's were left in a perilous position: one account says they find themselves six points adrift of safety and West Brom in 21st place, while a preview placed Oxford 23rd after 33 league outings, with six wins, 11 draws and 16 defeats. The preview noted Oxford had kept clean sheets against Coventry City and Middlesbrough but failed to score in those fixtures, and that managerial changes and inconsistency had left Matt Bloomfield's side fighting for survival. Sheffield Wednesday were mentioned as having been deducted 18 points and having their relegation confirmed. The preview also recorded that Oxford's attacking unit was the worst in the division other than Sheffield Wednesday and suggested upcoming fixtures against fellow strugglers could provide an opportunity to build momentum.

Additional match details: a 60-yard kick from Tommy Simkin picked out Million Manhoef in one sequence; Manhoef curled a left-footed effort narrowly wide with Jamie Cumming stranded; Tomas Rigo and Manhoef combined on the move that gave Cisse a clear run on goal; Stoke claimed an offside on the equaliser but replays suggested the full-back was marginally onside; Cisse could have made it 3-1 18 minutes before the end but his looping attempt was cleared away by Will Vaulks; Will Lankshear hit the woodwork for Matt Bloomfield's side during the game; Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is a Crystal Palace loanee who began the season in Turkey and is a former Charlton and Sheffield United forward.

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The pair had met earlier in the season, Stoke having won 3-0 at the Kassam Stadium in November, and this midweek encounter at the bet365 Stadium adds fresh urgency to both clubs' runs in the closing stages of the campaign.

Calum Burrowes' preview was published on 23 Feb 2026 at 13: 17 and updated at 17: 45.

Stoke moved out of immediate relief with the 2-1 win, while Oxford remain deep in the fight to avoid relegation.