THE decision by League One clubs yesterday to end the season early netted Oxford United a play-off place.

But the margins were so tight Karl Robinson's men could so easily have just missed out - if they had picked up 59 points instead of 60 their campaign would be over.

Equally, an extra two points would have seen them leapfrog Rotherham United and would now be celebrating automatic promotion.

Also read: Oxford United's play-off with Portsmouth confirmed

We look back at the decisive moments which could have earned the vital point to secure the play-offs – and the times opportunities to finish in the top two slipped through their fingers.

VITAL POINTS GAINED

Josh Ruffels at Shrewsbury Town, March 7

Oxford Mail:

The most obvious big moment was the most recent.

After 87 minutes in Shropshire, the U's were eighth in the table and destined to miss out on the play-off race when the season was suspended the following week.

One Josh Ruffels header later and they leapfrogged five rivals, thanks to Sunderland also conceding a late equaliser, to sit third.

Gary Madine's miss, February 1

Oxford Mail:

Ruffels features again, but this time he was almost the villain.

United were closing in on a morale-boosting victory after a difficult deadline day, when the left back's weak backpass played in Gary Madine.

The Blackpool striker had time to measure his finish, but struck the post to let the U's off the hook and win 2-1.

James Norwood's penalty appeal, January 14

Oxford Mail:

On a filthy, sodden night, chances in the goalless draw with Ipswich Town were few and far between.

But United had a let-off when a clumsy challenge from John Mousinho on James Norwood in the box went unpunished.

Also read: Bookies make Oxford United outsiders for League One play-offs

Had the decision gone the other way, it could easily have decided a tight game.

Jordan Archer's double save against AFC Wimbledon, December 29

Oxford Mail:

Mark Sykes had put United 2-1 up in a typically testing trip to Kingsmeadow.

But Wimbledon came so close to an equaliser when Jordan Archer spilled Joe Pigott's shot.

The goalkeeper, on a short-term deal, made amends by bravely blocking Jack Rudoni and Marcus Forss on the follow-up.

Matty Taylor's decisive strikes

Oxford Mail:

Narrowing down which of the on-loan striker's big goals to the most important is impossible.

Of his 17 strikes, five turned out to be either the winner or an equaliser.

They came against promotion rivals Rotherham United and Portsmouth, while the pivotal February brought huge moments against Burton Albion, Ipswich Town and Southend United.

Moments which got away from United

Sunderland, August 3 & February 15

Oxford Mail:

Despite a couple of decent performances against the Black Cats, United somehow only came away with a solitary point.

While they felt aggrieved to lose 1-0 despite a fine second half display at the Kassam Stadium, the biggest moment came in the north east.

Leading on the opening day of the season, Rob Dickie had a goal disallowed after the referee spotted a nudge on the goalkeeper by Jamie Mackie.

At 2-0 up they would have been big favourites to take maximum points, but the hosts ended up claiming a 1-1 draw.

Jamie Hanson's header at Blackpool, August 17

Oxford Mail:

  • James Henry reacts to another near-miss in the second half at Blackpool

Even Tangerines boss Simon Grayson admitted his side did not deserve to win 2-1 at Bloomfield Road.

It came after a second half onslaught from the U's, who somehow came away empty-handed.

It could all have been so different if Jamie Hanson's header had been a couple of inches lower, instead of smacking the crossbar.

On its own it would have only been worth a point, but few inside the ground would have been surprised to see the visitors go on to win the game at that point.

Stalemate at Bolton Wanderers, September 17

Oxford Mail:

A game which could fit in both categories.

United rode their luck early on as Will Buckley hit the woodwork, while James Henry did likewise in the second half.

Overall the U's felt hard done by with the timing – coming after a takeover which allowed a hectic deadline day at Wanderers, who had conceded at least five goals in their previous four league games.

Chances at Priestfield, January 18

Oxford Mail:

After seeing Tariqe Fosu's opener cancelled out by an Olly Lee's penalty, the visitors had the better chances to win at Gillingham.

Nathan Holland's shot was brilliantly deflected over by a defender, while the Kent club were fortunate again when Josh Ruffels saw a header ricochet on to the woodwork as the game finished 1-1.

Pictures by David Fleming, Richard Parkes and James Williamson