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
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