The outcome of tonight's game would have big implications on the race for automatic promotion in League Two. A win for Northampton would be their eighth in a row and would surely secure their spot in the top three. Whereas for Oxford, a place in the top seven is all but confirmed with a win today.
The fixture also marked a return to the Kassam for former U's manager, Chris Wilder. Wilder succeeded to an extent with us, gaining promotion from the Conference, but when the objective turned to promotion to League One, he fell short. He is succeeding against all the odds at a financially stricken Northampton Town, which is quite painful to watch.
To our surprise, Kemar Roofe was named in the starting XI despite Michael Appleton coming out and saying he lacked match fitness. That was good news, but the worry was 90 unfit minutes would not bode well for the future. Oxford United have played the most games out of anyone in the top four divisions of English football, so it was understandable regular starters were in danger of being burned out.
The stadium was packed, Northampton had brought an impressive 2,000 fans on this bitterly cold February evening.
The opening stages of the game were fast and enjoyable to watch, for on display were two teams going for all three points. Danny Hylton provided the first chance of the game with a header that was easily saved.
It was clear Oxford's game plan was different tonight from other home fixtures. With two tall, physical strikers up front the ball was being sent long frequently with Roofe and Chris Maguire looking for the knock downs.
The game became scrappier as the half wore on. Jordan Bowery had a terrific chance from the centre of the six yard box, but he blazed over. The low cross from Roofe was just behind the striker, and he couldn't adjust his feet accordingly.
As for Northampton, they fashioned very little in terms of chances during the first 45. Although they did show extreme discipline in midfield. Danny Rose, whom we sold to them in January, was brilliant as he sat just in front of their defence all game. This raised the question: why did we let him go? We lack some serious strength in depth in central midfield, with Josh Ruffels (who in my opinion is worse than Rose) the replacement central midfielder. I do fear for our team if either John Lundstram or Liam Sercombe pick up injuries.
The Cobblers forced a good save from Benji Buchel just before half time as he tipped over a Richards header. Buchel has been recalled after the dismal performance of Sam Slocombe in that Mansfield fixture.
The half time whistle was greeted by a chorus of boo's from the home fans, who were incensed with a few poor decisions from the officials.
In the opening exchanges of the second half Northampton were awarded a penalty. Johnny Mullins was judged to have handled inside the area after Richards passed the ball back. The decision seemed harsh, for Mullins must have only been three yards away when the ball was booted at his arm, not enough time to react and move out the way.
Buchel dived the right way, but Richard's penalty was lashed high into the top corner. His celebration was particularly provocative, he ran over to us in the North Stand and made the sign 1-0 with his hands. Cue fury.
Suddenly the game became a far more physical affair. Rose could have easily seen red for a high tackle on Sercombe. His studs were high as he rammed into the leg of the Oxford central midfielder. A very nasty tackle, but the ref deemed it only a yellow.
Northampton continued to defend impressively, repelling all high balls and stopping us play along the floor with high pressure.
The referee continued to make dubious decisions, with his whistle blown constantly for the remainder of the game it made the match very frustrating for the home team. What a contrast to the opening stages of this game.
Sercombe came close to equalising for Oxford towards the end, but a poor lay off by Hylton meant he couldn't get a good connection on the ball. A better lay off and that would have been the goal we needed.
I was furious for the most part of the second half by the referee's inability to let the game flow.
Our substitutions came too late, we needed a different option in the centre of midfield. But Appleton's reluctance to introduce Ruffels speaks volumes of where his career is at the moment. Jake Wright was taken off with an injury, and Maguire who had been poor today made way for Zeli Ismail who also made little impact in the ten minutes he was on.
And that was that, the 2,000 Northampton fans beside me were chanting 'we are going up', and who is to say that they now won't gain promotion.
On another day we would have come away with a draw, but Oxford lacked some physicality tonight, they lost the crucial battle in midfield. Northampton simply out-muscled and outfought us in the centre.
Positives to take today include Kenny's performance at right-back, and that's about it. A game that will mainly be remembered for the referee's dismal performance.
But fundamentally; when the going got tough, Oxford United did not get going.
-Michael
Tuesday, 16 February 2016
Tuesday, 9 February 2016
Oxford Utd 2-2 Mansfield Town
Oxford were yet to record a home league win in 2016 before today's fixture. They faced a Mansfield side whose away form had been somewhat impressive in recent times. A win today for the U's would go a long way to cementing their place in the automatic promotion places against a Mansfield team gunning for the playoffs.
Youngster Jonjoe Kenny made his first league appearance for Oxford today. The Everton loanee impressed with his defensive qualities, already looking a fine replacement for George Baldock at right-back.
Matt Green returned to the Kassam today, playing up top for Mansfield. He will always be remembered for that stunning half volley at Wembley in the 2010 Conference play off final. That feels a lifetime ago now, for the progression in the last year has been so remarkable, it is only fair to say that this is an Oxford side unrecognisable from anything I've seen in the past.
The game got off to a slow start, something now becoming a common feature. Mansfield were happy to let our defence try and pass their way through their stubborn midfield. The reluctance from our defence to hit the ball long occasionally frustrated the crowd as silly mistakes crept in from our centre backs.
Mansfield's first goal came courtesy of a goalkeeping error from Sam Slocombe. A high ball into the box was flapped at by the keeper, the resulting scramble led to that man Matt Green heading the ball into the middle of the goal. After scoring I wondered if he may not celebrate; he proceeded to passionately run and jump into the corner. Fair enough.
The goal highlighted a severe weakness of our Number One keeper, Slocombe. A brilliant shot-stopper, yes. In the air however, he looks less than comfortable. The ball was simply hoisted into a crowded penalty area, and the keeper was neither here nor there. Lacking confidence some serious conviction once off his line.
Oxford hit back after ten minutes. A superb interchange down the right led to Kenny delivering a perfect cross for Danny Hylton to head in. A goal badly needed for the U's striker, who started the season so positively, but hadn't found the back of the net for a while since.
The move was reminiscent of the positive flow we've been used to seeing with Baldock in the side. The fact Kenny executed the cross and attacking play so well bodes well for the future.
Soon after the Oxford goal, Slocombe demonstrated his shot stopping ability with a phenomenal tip round the post to deny a goal bound shot from the edge of the area. Faith restored, at least for the now.
Solid flask of tea for half-time today. Absolutely freezing.
Oxford pressure greeted the beginning of the second half. It seemed that if a team were to go on and win the match it would be us. Mansfield had pressed well for the majority for the first half, but it looked like we had the upper hand in terms of stamina. A fine quality to have.
But it was substitute, Zeli Ismail who was integral in Oxford's second goal. He showed great pace as he got down the right flank, before delivering a terrific ball into the area. The cross alluded everyone but Hylton at the back post, the striker lashed home his second of the game.
Ismail's cross was fantastic, and it wasn't his first great delivery of the game since his introduction. Earlier, he had fizzed one into the 'danger area', just between the goalkeeper and his line of defence, but there was no striker gambling on it. This time, the presence of United strikers in the box brought a deserved goal.
Before too long, I believe Ismail will be starting games for us, he offers more end product than Alex MacDonald, in my opinion.
Oxford continued to dominate, Mansfield offered very little before a period of pressure lead to their second goal of the evening.
Again, a looped ball into a crowded penalty area was all that was needed to confuse Slocombe. He came, got no where near the ball, and a scramble unfolded. The resulting scramble lead to the ball ricocheting back off the crossbar, before Jack Thomas looped a header across goal into the corner.
The goal came a minute before stoppage time. To say I was angry at this would be an understatement.
With the last kick of the game however, Oxford could have won it. Hylton could have had a hat trick. Eight yards out, in a crowded area, he found space, but side footed wide.
And that was that. A game we have controlled for the most part, but will be remembered because of two goalkeeping errors. Hopefully those two points dropped won't cost us come the end of the season.
Positives from tonight include Hylton's return to form, our present stamina, Kenny's performance and the fact we did not lose.
Morecambe away next - winnable. Then, at home to Chris Wilder's top of the table Northampton... BIG game.
-Michael
Youngster Jonjoe Kenny made his first league appearance for Oxford today. The Everton loanee impressed with his defensive qualities, already looking a fine replacement for George Baldock at right-back.
Matt Green returned to the Kassam today, playing up top for Mansfield. He will always be remembered for that stunning half volley at Wembley in the 2010 Conference play off final. That feels a lifetime ago now, for the progression in the last year has been so remarkable, it is only fair to say that this is an Oxford side unrecognisable from anything I've seen in the past.
The game got off to a slow start, something now becoming a common feature. Mansfield were happy to let our defence try and pass their way through their stubborn midfield. The reluctance from our defence to hit the ball long occasionally frustrated the crowd as silly mistakes crept in from our centre backs.
Mansfield's first goal came courtesy of a goalkeeping error from Sam Slocombe. A high ball into the box was flapped at by the keeper, the resulting scramble led to that man Matt Green heading the ball into the middle of the goal. After scoring I wondered if he may not celebrate; he proceeded to passionately run and jump into the corner. Fair enough.
The goal highlighted a severe weakness of our Number One keeper, Slocombe. A brilliant shot-stopper, yes. In the air however, he looks less than comfortable. The ball was simply hoisted into a crowded penalty area, and the keeper was neither here nor there. Lacking confidence some serious conviction once off his line.
Oxford hit back after ten minutes. A superb interchange down the right led to Kenny delivering a perfect cross for Danny Hylton to head in. A goal badly needed for the U's striker, who started the season so positively, but hadn't found the back of the net for a while since.
The move was reminiscent of the positive flow we've been used to seeing with Baldock in the side. The fact Kenny executed the cross and attacking play so well bodes well for the future.
Soon after the Oxford goal, Slocombe demonstrated his shot stopping ability with a phenomenal tip round the post to deny a goal bound shot from the edge of the area. Faith restored, at least for the now.
Solid flask of tea for half-time today. Absolutely freezing.
Oxford pressure greeted the beginning of the second half. It seemed that if a team were to go on and win the match it would be us. Mansfield had pressed well for the majority for the first half, but it looked like we had the upper hand in terms of stamina. A fine quality to have.
But it was substitute, Zeli Ismail who was integral in Oxford's second goal. He showed great pace as he got down the right flank, before delivering a terrific ball into the area. The cross alluded everyone but Hylton at the back post, the striker lashed home his second of the game.
Ismail's cross was fantastic, and it wasn't his first great delivery of the game since his introduction. Earlier, he had fizzed one into the 'danger area', just between the goalkeeper and his line of defence, but there was no striker gambling on it. This time, the presence of United strikers in the box brought a deserved goal.
Before too long, I believe Ismail will be starting games for us, he offers more end product than Alex MacDonald, in my opinion.
Oxford continued to dominate, Mansfield offered very little before a period of pressure lead to their second goal of the evening.
Again, a looped ball into a crowded penalty area was all that was needed to confuse Slocombe. He came, got no where near the ball, and a scramble unfolded. The resulting scramble lead to the ball ricocheting back off the crossbar, before Jack Thomas looped a header across goal into the corner.
The goal came a minute before stoppage time. To say I was angry at this would be an understatement.
With the last kick of the game however, Oxford could have won it. Hylton could have had a hat trick. Eight yards out, in a crowded area, he found space, but side footed wide.
And that was that. A game we have controlled for the most part, but will be remembered because of two goalkeeping errors. Hopefully those two points dropped won't cost us come the end of the season.
Positives from tonight include Hylton's return to form, our present stamina, Kenny's performance and the fact we did not lose.
Morecambe away next - winnable. Then, at home to Chris Wilder's top of the table Northampton... BIG game.
-Michael
Tuesday, 2 February 2016
JPT: Oxford Utd 0-1 Millwall (Agg 2-1)
Oxford went into this second leg with confidence, but knowing all the pressure was on them. A 2-0 victory away at The Den was impressive, with Roofe grabbing both goals. Millwall showed glimpses in the first leg of the goal scoring threat they had, so this was to be no easy ride to Wembley.
As we took our seats there were rumours of fan trouble, a pub had been smashed up in Blackbird Leys apparently. The policing operation tonight was unprecedented. Riot police stood poised throughout the game in the corner. A fight broke out in the North Stand midway through the first half as a Millwall fan was amongst the home support.
Tonight saw a debut given to 18 year old John Joe Kenny, on loan from Everton and George Baldock's replacement. He had big shoes to fill. In the early stages the youngster looked nervous, but he settled quickly and showed his defensive qualities.
Millwall had started the match confidently, they were aware the first goal was to be crucial on the night, and balanced attacking threat with defensive stability well early on.
The first half produced few clear goalscoring opportunities, this can be down to the performanceof Jake Wright in central defence, he had started admirably. A real captain's performance as he had to battle aerially with Gregory and Morison for long spells.
Oxford hadn't been able to keep possession in the first half like they'd been accustomed to this season. This meant Millwall created what half chances there were in the first half, Morison coming close with a header.
But that was half time, a fairly uneventful half, but Oxford will take that. An uneventful game is all they need to get through to Wembley.
However, The Lions struck early in the second half. After a period of Millwall pressure, Gregory poked the ball to the left of Buchel in the six yard box to send the travelling farms absolutely bonkers.
This meant the conclusion to the match was to be tricky for Oxford. That was for ten minutes at least, until Millwall centre back, Beevers saw a second yellow for a foul on Hylton.The defender pulling Hylton back on the edge of the area as he was through on goal, it could have easily been a straight red.
Millwall down to ten men settled the nerves of many home fans in the ground. But the sending off didn't change the fact that the ending to the game would see an aerial bombardment on the Oxford defence.
Oxford mustered few chances, but O'Dowda showed extreme maturity. The 19 year old tracked back and forth throughout the game, strength in defence and agility in attack, I was very impressed. The winger needs to improve his passing to become the winger so many hope he will be.
As Millwall piled forward time and time again, you just got the feeling Oxford would concede. Despite the attacking threat Millwall possessed up front, Oxford's defence quelled all attacks fantastically. A real testament to Wright, whom rightfully was awarded man of the match, the captain has been through so much with us. With central midfielder Danny Rose departing the club as he couldn't break into our team anymore, Wright has been an integral part of our seasons success.
After Millwall keeper Archer had been up for one final attack, that was it. WEMBLEY! What a moment. We're the famous Oxford United and we're going to Wembley......
Only the third time in our history, April 3rd is the date, and I'll be in America (boo). We will face Barnsley or Fleetwood. Oh, what a season this is becoming.
-Michael
As we took our seats there were rumours of fan trouble, a pub had been smashed up in Blackbird Leys apparently. The policing operation tonight was unprecedented. Riot police stood poised throughout the game in the corner. A fight broke out in the North Stand midway through the first half as a Millwall fan was amongst the home support.
Tonight saw a debut given to 18 year old John Joe Kenny, on loan from Everton and George Baldock's replacement. He had big shoes to fill. In the early stages the youngster looked nervous, but he settled quickly and showed his defensive qualities.
Millwall had started the match confidently, they were aware the first goal was to be crucial on the night, and balanced attacking threat with defensive stability well early on.
The first half produced few clear goalscoring opportunities, this can be down to the performanceof Jake Wright in central defence, he had started admirably. A real captain's performance as he had to battle aerially with Gregory and Morison for long spells.
Oxford hadn't been able to keep possession in the first half like they'd been accustomed to this season. This meant Millwall created what half chances there were in the first half, Morison coming close with a header.
But that was half time, a fairly uneventful half, but Oxford will take that. An uneventful game is all they need to get through to Wembley.
However, The Lions struck early in the second half. After a period of Millwall pressure, Gregory poked the ball to the left of Buchel in the six yard box to send the travelling farms absolutely bonkers.
This meant the conclusion to the match was to be tricky for Oxford. That was for ten minutes at least, until Millwall centre back, Beevers saw a second yellow for a foul on Hylton.The defender pulling Hylton back on the edge of the area as he was through on goal, it could have easily been a straight red.
Millwall down to ten men settled the nerves of many home fans in the ground. But the sending off didn't change the fact that the ending to the game would see an aerial bombardment on the Oxford defence.
Oxford mustered few chances, but O'Dowda showed extreme maturity. The 19 year old tracked back and forth throughout the game, strength in defence and agility in attack, I was very impressed. The winger needs to improve his passing to become the winger so many hope he will be.
As Millwall piled forward time and time again, you just got the feeling Oxford would concede. Despite the attacking threat Millwall possessed up front, Oxford's defence quelled all attacks fantastically. A real testament to Wright, whom rightfully was awarded man of the match, the captain has been through so much with us. With central midfielder Danny Rose departing the club as he couldn't break into our team anymore, Wright has been an integral part of our seasons success.
After Millwall keeper Archer had been up for one final attack, that was it. WEMBLEY! What a moment. We're the famous Oxford United and we're going to Wembley......
Only the third time in our history, April 3rd is the date, and I'll be in America (boo). We will face Barnsley or Fleetwood. Oh, what a season this is becoming.
-Michael
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