Due to Uni restarting, today's match was the first since the disappointment of Southend away in September, a 2-1 defeat. I had been looking forward to this fixture for ages, with added significance seeing as it was the team that pipped us to first place in League Two last season. Michael Appleton has always stood by his comments that the best team came second that year; today was a chance to put some substance to his words.
I was looking forward to seeing Rob Hall in action today. The left-winger has been spoken highly of throughout the club since he came back from his long-term knee injury. Ryan Ledson was another I was keen to witness first hand what he could bring to the team, especially after Liam Sercombe had been ruled out for the season not so long ago.
Oxford came into the game unbeaten in their last eight games and were showing glimpses of play-off potential as they sat mid-table. Northampton named Oxford United legend of Wembley 2010, Alfie Potter in their starting XI, the winger went on to have a good game for the Cobblers.
Within the opening seconds Oxford constructed a good chance through the middle of the pitch, Northampton were completely unprepared for the instant pace of Maguire and Hall. The chance came to nothing, but it indicated that the game may be an extremely open affair. That was not the case.
Kane Hemmings was left isolated up front for the most part of the first half and failed to link up with those around him. The central defenders or midfielders would often launch a ball forward, behind the Northampton backline to utilise his pace, but the Northampton defenders, to their credit, were quick enough to quell any Hemming threat.
In Matty Taylor, Northampton have someone of genuine quality. His Premier League experience was evident just by looking at his technique. He forced a fine save from Simon Eastwood midway through the first half as well creating some decent chances with excellent crosses.
Jonjoe O'Toole picked up the first booking of the match and looked to be the sort of player that could easily see red this afternoon.
There was little to comment on as the first half drew to a close, both sides created little in the way of chances and there were many stoppages as the referee nit-picked throughout and there were hardly any ball boys which didn't help.
As the second half got underway, it was much the same. Alex MacDonald, however, had United's best chances of the afternoon but failed in his attempt to get a shot on target. The Cobblers keeper was still yet to make a save.
If United were to conjure up a chance on the afternoon it always looked as if it would be through Chris Maguire. His first touch was superb throughout, and he had the desire of a match winner.
Meanwhile, Hall was having a very poor game. He looked weak and afraid to challenge, which is under stable given he had been out with an injury for a year. Nevertheless, it was disappointing he didn't get into the game.
Marc Richards somehow missed a header from point-blank range midway through the half, a huge let off for United.
Ryan Taylor replaced Hemmings up front, who had a torrid afternoon, mainly because of the lack of support he received. He looks like the type of striker that needs a fellow forward playing alongside him.
John Lundstram was struggling to dictate the tempo of the game today, with neither team maintaining possession for a very long time, there were many turnovers.
As we entered injury time, Northampton won a rare corner. As the ball was floated into the middle, Eastwood rose and missed it, then went down injured, resulting in an open goal for Richards to flick the ball into.
This was a devastating blow for United who did not deserve to lose the game. There were claims in the home end that the ref should have blown for a free kick on Eastwood, but to no avail. The Northampton fans were going mad in the away end as the players sprinted over to celebrate with them.
Full Time came a minute after the only goal of the game.
There were too many missed opportunities from Oxford today. We played some neat football at times but there was a lack of passion and conviction in too many player's performances.
I would like to see Marvin Johnson reinstated in his natural position higher up the pitch. He's been playing left-back recently, and despite a promising defensive display from him today, he needs to gain confidence by attacking defenders. Once this confidence comes, I believe he will be the winger we paid for.
Walsall at home is the next and final match of 2016! I'm not too optimistic, but hopefully we can end the year on a high note after what has been an unforgettable year for Oxford United.
-Michael
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