Robinson’s delight as Oxford’s winning run is extended

Posted Sunday, December 16, 2018 by PA

Karl Robinson had nothing but praise for his Oxford United team after a comfortable 2-0 win over Blackpool at the Kassam Stadium.

The ground being open at both ends only made the testing conditions even more difficult for both teams.

But Oxford struck twice in the first half and were seldom troubled after that.

Ollie Turton headed into his own goal under pressure from Marcus Browne on the half hour mark and James Henry converted Gavin Whyte’s cross after 41 minutes for his 11th goal of the season.

Liam Feeney struck a post for the Seasiders, but they were unable to force a save from keeper Simon Eastwood as the U’s extended their recent run to just one defeat in 14 games.

Robinson said: “We were excellent from start to finish.

“I know they were moaning about time wasting but they did more time wasting in the first half than we did in the second half.

“For both the players and the fans, they were horrible conditions and it was a difficult afternoon to play football with the rain and such a gusting wind.

“The first goal was an own goal, there’s no doubt about it, but the two wide players have done well.”

Oxford saw out the game impressively, denying a Blackpool side that started the day just outside the play-off positions few opportunities in the second half when they had the wind behind them.

“Although they didn’t have a shot on target, we rode our luck at times,” Robinson admitted.

But he added: “To go on the run we have, with just one defeat in 14, and five wins and a draw in our last six home games, shows we are going in the right direction.

“Rather than just winning games of football we are dominating games of football.

“It was our chairman Tiger’s birthday today and I’ve already had a text from him saying it’s made him very happy.”

Blackpool manager Terry McPhillips said he had expected more from his team, but the conditions were appalling.

“The conditions were very difficult for both teams,” he said. “The wind was going right down the pitch. We decided we’d defend against the wind in the first half.

“And we were doing well until the goals.

“But the first goal I thought was a foul on Ollie Turton when their player climbed all over him and ended up facing the other way.

“And the second goal was a counter-attack which we’d have thought we would have defended better, but from their point of view they played it well.

“There were skirmishes we had, with a couple flash across their goal, and we hit the post through Feeney.

“Yes, it’s disappointing that we didn’t test their keeper more. We did ask their defence some questions – but not enough.

“But the lads have given it a real go.”