Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink left frustrated as Northampton held in Oxford stalemate - 7M sport

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink left frustrated as Northampton held in Oxford stalemate



Posted Sunday, February 25, 2018 by PA

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink left frustrated as Northampton held in Oxford stalemate

Northampton manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was left unhappy with the reaction of the Sixfields crowd who booed his players off after their goalless draw with Oxford United on Saturday.

The Cobblers have now won just three of their past 10 home games and remain in the thick of a relegation battle having drawn 0-0 with their cross-border rivals.

The hosts created several good chances – especially in the first half – but they failed to convert any and remain just two points clear of the relegation zone.

“I think we all are frustrated that we didn’t put the ball in the net because that’s the most important thing and we were very positive, especially (in the) first half,” said Hasselbaink.

“We created a number of chances but you have to be clinical and you have to score when you’re on top.

“I can’t fault the players. I thought they were excellent, in the first half particularly. We didn’t score and because we didn’t score, in the second half Oxford still had the belief and they came for us and we lost a little bit of control in midfield, so I was disappointed.

“I’m also disappointed with the reaction of the crowd. They were shouting for a second striker to come on but we didn’t have another striker on the bench.

“Kevin (van Veen) is injured and Boris (Mathis) was sent home ill. If I had a striker, I would have put him on because we’re playing at home and of course I want to win.

“I think the boos at the end were unfair on the boys. They did ever so well and we had enough chances to win three or four games, so in that aspect I was happy – but not so happy that we didn’t capitalise on those chances.”

Oxford caretaker manager Derek Fazackerley was pleased with his side’s first clean sheet since January 6.

He said: “It’s a while since we’ve had a clean sheet and I was pleased with that part of the game today and the lads’ attitude and application on a difficult surface.

“It was dry and a bit breezy so it wasn’t easy to play against a strong team who are quite physical but I thought we managed the game quite well.

“We could have won it at the end. You don’t get too many chances away from home, particularly in a local derby like this, so when they come along you have to take them.

“Unfortunately Wes (Thomas) headed against the post and we had a couple of half chances in the first half when we weren’t able to work the goalkeeper.

“But overall I’m pleased with the performance and a 0-0 result away from home, in the situation we’re in, is a decent result.”

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