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
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