Both teams shared the spoils in a match ridden by horrific conditions. On this blustery January evening, the wind was often louder than the atmosphere as it rippled over the thin sheets of metal covering the stands.
James Constable's return from suspension promised much for The Yellows. Last time out at Fleetwood, it was clear Dean Smalley was not yet an able replacement for Constable. Max Crocombe came into the first team for his debut after some below-par performances from Clarke's replacement Wayne Brown; the 19 year-old was warmly received with his every touch, helping calm the nerves.
The game started with barely a chance for either team, Calvin Zola's presence seemed to pose the biggest threat however, but Jake Wright dealt with him exceptionally. The occasional burst of pace from Sean Rigg was all that home crowd was able to get excited at in a first half dominated by a lack of creation.
Burton looked like a team who should be struggling, but instead they're pushing for promotion. This clash had mid-table written all over it. And my half-time flask of tea was almost as disappointing as the first-half of football. The second half didn't promise much.
The second half started brightly however as The Yellows took the lead through James Constable. It was evident how much it meant to him after the passionate celebration. Chances followed for Oxford but they couldn't convert the headers that fell their way.
Burton capitalised as Maghoma was able to toy with Michael Raynes, before he rolled the ball past young Max Crocombe. The remaining twenty minutes left Tom Craddock with a chance, but his lack of pace saw the ball roll out. The final chance fell to Billy Kee, the future star slashed his volley horribly wide though, and that was game over.
A game to forget for all involved, Oxford will feel aggrieved as they only came away with the point however, with most of the chances falling to The Yellows. But the treturous conditions meant the game was never destined to be a thriller. This Saturday I'm off to Roots Hall, Southend, for a match which looks to have all the makings of a classic!
Attendance: 4,906
Man of the Match: Sean Rigg - Showed great desire.
Match Rating: **
Referee Rating: ** - No big decisions, but got many of the little ones incorrect, conditions didn't help though.
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Saturday, 5 January 2013
FA Cup 3rd Round: Oxford United 0 - 3 Sheffield United
With the second acquisition of Justin Richards to Oxford in his career, the Englishman was hoping to make an immediate impact for The Yellows who went into this game as the heavy underdogs. Lewis Montrose, released by Gillingham also signs for Oxford, but was cup tied today.
Oxford faced a high-flying Sheffield United of League 1, who came into the game on the back of a poor defeat to bottom side Hartlepool United. However, with the appointment of Stoke City centre back Danny Higginbotham, a solid defence was inevitable.
The game started slowly, with few chances for both teams. One thing was clear though, the referee was keen on his whistle. And a free-kick was unfairly awarded to The Blades in the seventeenth which McMahon bent over the wall past a stagnant Ryan Clarke. The goalkeeper could've attempted it, in my opinion it was slow, and savable.
Referee Boyeson and his officials continued to be on the receiving end of some abuse from the Oxford fans as decisions were constantly made halting the flow towards the end of the first half.
After the break Richards found himself with the goalkeeper at his mercy, but struggled to get the ball out his feet, and scooped it over the bar. Agonisingly close, but the Oxford faithful were sensing a goal.
And after another chance went begging from Tom Craddock, David Kitson doubled Sheffield's advantage in the 51st minute with a tap in from a fine McDonald cross. And Oxford were left ruing what could've been as the travelling Blades fans were jubilant.
At long last Chris Wilder decided to make a change to our left side, Tony Capaldi and Luke O'Brian started the game there but failed to provide the energy, creativity and width Oxford needed; they're two very similar players. Therefore the introduction of Sean Rigg was a welcome addition. Immediately, the difference was noticed with the quality of crossing increasing, with Sheffield's left-back often in serious trouble.
After creating barely anything throughout the game however, Sheffield found themselves 3-0 up with a powerful drive into the top corner form Nick Blackman. It was game over.
This has been a match Oxford can look back on with much regret, yet with much admiration. The team showed glimpses of quality and didn't look phased by James Constable's four match ban. The criticism I'd have is of Wilder, his decision to start Capaldi and O'Brian on the same wing was flawed. Throughout the game they looked confused and uninspired.
I love the FA Cup, and to be knocked out is a great shame. But now we look forward to a JPT Semi-final against Southend, and league matches which look encouraging. It's crunch time in League two.
Attendance: 7,079
Man of the Match: Peter Leven - Great vision, great composure, linked up the team well.
Match Rating: ** - Sheffield had a team of time-wasters and the misses were frustrating
Referee Rating: * - A poor match from the ref and his officials. The game didn't flow and a tackle couldn't be made with aggression.
Oxford faced a high-flying Sheffield United of League 1, who came into the game on the back of a poor defeat to bottom side Hartlepool United. However, with the appointment of Stoke City centre back Danny Higginbotham, a solid defence was inevitable.
The game started slowly, with few chances for both teams. One thing was clear though, the referee was keen on his whistle. And a free-kick was unfairly awarded to The Blades in the seventeenth which McMahon bent over the wall past a stagnant Ryan Clarke. The goalkeeper could've attempted it, in my opinion it was slow, and savable.
Referee Boyeson and his officials continued to be on the receiving end of some abuse from the Oxford fans as decisions were constantly made halting the flow towards the end of the first half.
After the break Richards found himself with the goalkeeper at his mercy, but struggled to get the ball out his feet, and scooped it over the bar. Agonisingly close, but the Oxford faithful were sensing a goal.
And after another chance went begging from Tom Craddock, David Kitson doubled Sheffield's advantage in the 51st minute with a tap in from a fine McDonald cross. And Oxford were left ruing what could've been as the travelling Blades fans were jubilant.
At long last Chris Wilder decided to make a change to our left side, Tony Capaldi and Luke O'Brian started the game there but failed to provide the energy, creativity and width Oxford needed; they're two very similar players. Therefore the introduction of Sean Rigg was a welcome addition. Immediately, the difference was noticed with the quality of crossing increasing, with Sheffield's left-back often in serious trouble.
After creating barely anything throughout the game however, Sheffield found themselves 3-0 up with a powerful drive into the top corner form Nick Blackman. It was game over.
This has been a match Oxford can look back on with much regret, yet with much admiration. The team showed glimpses of quality and didn't look phased by James Constable's four match ban. The criticism I'd have is of Wilder, his decision to start Capaldi and O'Brian on the same wing was flawed. Throughout the game they looked confused and uninspired.
I love the FA Cup, and to be knocked out is a great shame. But now we look forward to a JPT Semi-final against Southend, and league matches which look encouraging. It's crunch time in League two.
Attendance: 7,079
Man of the Match: Peter Leven - Great vision, great composure, linked up the team well.
Match Rating: ** - Sheffield had a team of time-wasters and the misses were frustrating
Referee Rating: * - A poor match from the ref and his officials. The game didn't flow and a tackle couldn't be made with aggression.
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
Oxford United 1 - 0 Cheltenham Town
Firstly, I'll apologise for the lack of blogposts recently. I haven't been to an Oxford game since Barnet away, with the premier league interludes, as well as my Saturday job its been hard to get a moment free when Oxford are playing.
Oxford secured their third consecutive win over high-flying Cheltenham. A Peter Leven penalty was the difference between the two teams in a game which lacked energy and fluidity. Referee, Fred Graham was part to do with this, due to his picky nature.
The opening exchanges saw few chances before Elliot was deemed to have obstructed Craddock in the penalty area. Peter Leven says he played mind games before the penalty was taken with Cheltenham keeper, Brown, who had his third attempt this season to save a Leven penalty, but once again failed to do so. Leven, clinical as ever from 12 yards slotted it to the right of keeper to make it three out of three.
Today was to be Lee Cox's last match for The Yellows as he returns to Swindon, but he failed to leave with class as many passes went astray. The same can be said for Tom Craddock, his lack of desire on the pitch is second to none, a dreadful performance by the precise finisher. However, it was good to see Michael Duberry back in the starting line-up for the first time this season, he may not be back to full fitness, but his leadership qualities and experience is vital.
Talking of leadership, Oxford's captain today performed impeccably throughout the game. Jake Wright cleared everything that came his way, his performance was truly outstanding and I'm sure an Oxford win would have not been on the cards had he not been on form.
A fascinating battle evolved throughout the match between Jermain McGlashan and Damian Batt. The young winger for The Robins was a handful all afternoon and was the only real advanced playmaker Cheltenham seemed to possess. Batt was up to the challenge however and dealt with him effectively.
Cheltenham came close towards the end, with chances falling inches past the post, but this was Oxford's day, the perfect start to 2013.
Attendance: 6,951 (637 from Cheltenham)
Man of the Match: Jake Wright - Everything that came his way was handled superbly
Match Rating: ** - Few chances, yet fascinating.
Referee Rating: ** - Fred Graham, Failed to let the game flow, very keen to blow his whistle.
Oxford secured their third consecutive win over high-flying Cheltenham. A Peter Leven penalty was the difference between the two teams in a game which lacked energy and fluidity. Referee, Fred Graham was part to do with this, due to his picky nature.
The opening exchanges saw few chances before Elliot was deemed to have obstructed Craddock in the penalty area. Peter Leven says he played mind games before the penalty was taken with Cheltenham keeper, Brown, who had his third attempt this season to save a Leven penalty, but once again failed to do so. Leven, clinical as ever from 12 yards slotted it to the right of keeper to make it three out of three.
Today was to be Lee Cox's last match for The Yellows as he returns to Swindon, but he failed to leave with class as many passes went astray. The same can be said for Tom Craddock, his lack of desire on the pitch is second to none, a dreadful performance by the precise finisher. However, it was good to see Michael Duberry back in the starting line-up for the first time this season, he may not be back to full fitness, but his leadership qualities and experience is vital.
Talking of leadership, Oxford's captain today performed impeccably throughout the game. Jake Wright cleared everything that came his way, his performance was truly outstanding and I'm sure an Oxford win would have not been on the cards had he not been on form.
A fascinating battle evolved throughout the match between Jermain McGlashan and Damian Batt. The young winger for The Robins was a handful all afternoon and was the only real advanced playmaker Cheltenham seemed to possess. Batt was up to the challenge however and dealt with him effectively.
Cheltenham came close towards the end, with chances falling inches past the post, but this was Oxford's day, the perfect start to 2013.
Attendance: 6,951 (637 from Cheltenham)
Man of the Match: Jake Wright - Everything that came his way was handled superbly
Match Rating: ** - Few chances, yet fascinating.
Referee Rating: ** - Fred Graham, Failed to let the game flow, very keen to blow his whistle.
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