AMADOU Bakayoko produced another late winner for Wanderers as they made a huge statement to the rest of League One by beating Oxford United at the Kassam.

Twice coming from a goal down via wing-backs Declan John and Marlon Fossey, the Whites looked set for a sold point when the standard of the early football slipped and the game became a rather fraught affair.

But Bakayoko’s winner seven minutes from the end makes it six wins and a draw for Ian Evatt’s side in a season which is getting better with each passing week.

Within the first few minutes it was clear this would be an open game, with Matt Taylor sliding a close-range effort wide of the post and wing-back Gavin Whyte breaking past George Johnston on the Oxford right, winning a free kick right on the edge of the box.

Billy Bodin made them pay with a tremendous curling effort, beating James Trafford’s dive, but the lead lasted a matter of seconds.

Wanderers also had an early chance to get on the scoreboard as Dion Charles beat his marker to get a sight of goal before being bundled down. On this occasion, and for many that followed, referee Gavin Ward declined to award the foul.

But after falling behind they got themselves back on level terms almost instantly, with Aaron Morley sliding a pass to John on the left. The Welshman cut in and struck a fine shot into the bottom corner.

Both sides continued to create chances. Cameron Branagan was denied by Trafford after getting on the end of Whyte’s cross, while at the other end Amadou Bakayoko was thwarted by Jack Stevens after being played in by Dion Charles.

Wanderers had to swap Kieran Lee for Kyle Dempsey, at which point Oxford started to tip the game their way, scoring a second on 32 minutes as Bodin wriggled past MJ Williams on the edge of the box then let fly with a superb shot into the bottom corner.

Again, the Whites responded. Just six minutes later, Morley’s cross was half-cleared by Elliott Moore into the path of Fossey, who picked his sport expertly from 12 yards to beat Stevens.

Even then the home side had a chance to re-take the lead as Whyte got in behind Johnston, and Trafford had to make a brave save at his feet.

Oxford also started the second half well – Steve Seddon seeing a shot deflected just wide, Taylor driving over the bar and Trafford blocking an effort from Whyte.

Wanderers held firm and almost grabbed a goal on the break when Charles cut in from the left and forced Stevens into action again.

A game, which had been so entertaining for 45 minutes, became fragmented after the break, with ref Ward’s frequent interruptions infuriating both benches.

Nerves started to seep in for the Whites. Trafford and Santos got in a mix-up, resulting in a string of corners and panicky clearances.

But then, almost out of nowhere, Jones freed Fossey on the right with a superb ball and he crossed low for Bakayoko to stab home his third in three games.