Oxford's star pupil Dembele showing hard work pays off

The Oxford winger, 28, scored his second matchwinner in three games to see off high-flying Sheffield United.

- GARY ROWETT

Dembele has had a stop-start season following his move from Birmingham and spent time out with an ankle injury.

But U's head coach Rowett said: “He's been excellent, Dembs. He's got so much talent, and he's put some real hard work and energy into that. “He's played very diligently for the team, but he's got the quality at the other end, and that's invaluable.

“We're going to need everyone like that to put a shift in.”

A second successive home win moved the U's four points clear of the relegation zone, while the Blades dropped to second.