May 5, 1986: Oxford United 3, Arsenal 0
OXFORD United cruised past Arsenal to secure Division One safety on the final day of the season.
The U’s had won the Milk Cup just 15 days earlier, but needed three points to prevent immediate relegation back to the second tier.
In the end, Arsenal were beaten by the same scoreline inflicted on QPR at Wembley, with Ray Houghton, John Aldridge and Billy Hamilton scoring the crucial goals.
Read also: The last five times Oxford United's fate has been decided on the final day
Houghton got United off to the perfect start, sending a fierce drive into the bottom corner with three minutes on the clock.
That goal did not open the floodgates straight away and the U’s were unable to add to their lead until midway through the second half.
Aldridge was bundled over in the penalty area and took the spot-kick himself, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to take his tally to 31 for the season.
Hamilton’s low effort with five minutes left sealed victory and ensured safety, as United condemned Ipswich Town – who had played all their fixtures – to relegation by a single point.
United: Judge, Trewick, Shotton, Briggs, Langan, Hebberd, Houghton, Jones, Perryman, Aldridge, Hamilton.
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