Oxford boss Robinson frustrated at dropping points against high-flying Barnsley
Posted Wednesday, January 30, 2019 by PA
Oxford manager Karl Robinson was left frustrated as his team were held to a 2-2 draw by third-placed Barnsley after leading 2-0 at the Kassam Stadium.
The U’s also struck the crossbar three times but were pegged back by a spirited fightback as the Tykes scored twice in the last 20 minutes to earn a point.
Oxford climbed out of the bottom four with the draw, but Robinson was looking at what might have been.
“We played all the football, against one of the most aggressive teams in the division,” Robinson said.
“We were very good and strong in our play – I’m just frustrated that we didn’t take the three points.
“I’m proud of my players, they put everything into it and played with a pride in wearing the shirt, which is what I had asked from them.
“When you can bring on the two strikers Barnsley were able to . . . well, I just don’t have that luxury. I’ve only got one striker at the club – but I’ll be getting in another one tomorrow.
“Some of their tackles were horrendous, and I thought they should have had one sent off.”
Oxford were a big threat at corners, and Robinson singled out centre-back Curtis Nelson, who struck the bar from one of them, for special praise.
“Curtis and I had an argument yesterday,” said Robinson. “But that’s OK, we’re men and we discuss things with passion.
“And he was magnificent tonight.”
Oxford led 2-0 through goals from Josh Ruffels, nodding in Rob Dickie’s header at a corner on 25 minutes, and Jamie Mackie, who showed more desire than goalkeeper Adam Davies to turn the ball in three minutes into the second half.
Oxford struck the crossbar twice through Gavin Whyte, one of his efforts bouncing down from the underside of the crossbar onto the goal-line.
However, Mamadou Thiam pulled one back for Barnsley in the 70th minute before substitute Kieffer Moore equalised nine minutes later with a classy finish from Jacob Brown’s pass for his 17th goal of the season, to the relief for head coach Daniel Stendel.
“I think we prepared well, but we didn’t play well,” he said. “But it’s a point at least.
“I’m happy with the comeback in the second half. The morale and mentality was good from us.
“In the first half we changed it a bit from the 4-4-2 we play to 4-3-3 and maybe after the game, with hindsight, I can say that didn’t work that well.
“I thought it was a foul for their second goal. It was not a good decision from the officials.
“And after 2-0 it was difficult, but we showed good spirit.
“One point is not what we wanted, but it’s more than none. We wanted three points today and we’ll have a lot more chances to get three points.”
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