WHILE many Oxford United fans took the train or got the supporters’ coach to Wembley, one of the U’s faithful got in a fair few steps.

Robin Dunford got up early on the morning of the Sky Bet League One play-off final, and walked from his home in Marcham to Oxford railway station.

It wasn’t the first time either that Dunford had hiked his way to a U’s game.

READ ALSO: U’s youngster makes big impression at Euro Under-17s

He said: “I’ve always done quite a lot of walking. I used to live in Wantage, and I always get the bus in for the game, so I can have a few drinks with friends in the city centre.

“It was during lockdown when I wanted to get a bit fitter, so when the stadiums reopened, I saw it as an opportunity.

“I’d get the S9 in from Wantage, and then I found myself getting off the bus further and further away from the city centre.

“I do quite a lot of walking anyway, so it was a nice way to combine two things that I love, in walking and having a drink before a game. My mates I sit with at the Kassam think I’m nuts.”

Oxford Mail:

United beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0 in the Sky Bet League One play-off final, thanks to a brace from Josh Murphy.

Dunford started his day at the crack of dawn, with his early morning walk providing an ideal opportunity to take his mind off the enormity of the play-off final.

He said: “It was such a beautiful day as well, and as it was such a big day, it was a great opportunity to clear my mind and just listen to the birds in the morning.

“We’re lucky in Oxfordshire that there are so many ways to walk around, and there are so many nice walks.

“Next season, I’m looking at maybe walking some of the way to Luton. One game I’m looking forward to, and where I’ve not been, is Carrow Road.

“My daughter is at university in Sheffield, so they’ll also be two grounds I’m looking forward to, as well as the likes of Vicarage Road and Kenilworth Road.”

He added: “In the last few weeks of the season, we really discovered how to dominate games. Bolton never really had a chance in the game.

“The transformation since the 5-0 defeat there has been amazing. The Bolton fans at Wembley were great in fairness to them.

“We met some before and after the game, and they were really good afterwards, and wished us all the best for next season.”