With Oxford United also shorn of confidence, it was never going to be a classic encounter at the Kassam Stadium this afternoon. While it was a victory that did not paper over the cracks within Oxford’s team, it was a much-needed three points that sees the U’s rise to eighth in the table, just outside the play-offs. Ahead of a packed festive footballing calendar, it was a crucial result and one that the Yellows must now capitalise on.
On a crisp December afternoon, the home side started the brighter of the two struggling teams. From the kick off, Robert Hall, playing on the right side of four man midfield, whipped in a cross which James Constable was unable to direct on target. Indeed, the change in formation to a 4-4-2 seemed to give United the width they had desperately required in the previous home match against Cheltenham Town and led to a flurry of early crosses into the nervy Northampton penalty area. However, the Cobblers held firm amid United’s early dominance and began to grow into the contest. In an impressive ten minute spell, they deserved to take the lead. First, Arron Davies, one of Northampton’s brightest sparks, fizzed a shot wide of the post. Then, a Northampton corner was nearly diverted into the United net, but was cleared off the line by Simon Heslop. This was followed only moments later by Saido Berahino finding himself through on goal, only to direct his shot straight at the onrushing Ryan Clarke.
United’s confidence was at an all-time low. In particular, Heslop and Damian Batt were struggling to exert themselves on proceedings and were caught in possession on a number of occasions. The crowd was growing restless. Oxford needed a goal. Unfortunately, none was forthcoming. Hall sliced a left-foot shot wide of Sam Walker’s goal and then a cleverly worked corner between Heslop and Peter Leven was saved comfortably by the Chelsea loanee. Just how vast is Chelsea’s youth academy? It seems that almost every professional began his career at Stamford Bridge. On the stroke of half time, a trademark Leven corner was almost diverted home, but it was cleared off the line. Referee Bates then blew for the end of a cagey and frustrating forty-five minutes.
The second half resumed in much the same manner, with the crowd requiring a lift from the players to wake them from the previous night’s office Christmas party. In fact, Northampton provided the first piece of magic in the half as Michael Jacobs smashed a twenty-five yard drive into the roof of the net, only to find that Bates had already blown for a Northampton foul. Jacobs was, by a country mile, Northampton’s best player. A youngster who has come through their youth ranks, how he must be wishing he had been nurtured elsewhere.
Just to add insult to injury, three minutes later it was the home side who took the lead. A suicidal clearance from the clueless Cobblers defence fell straight into the path of Alfie Potter. The little maestro jinked past an opposing defender before laying a pass into Tom Craddock who swivelled and smashed a fantastic left foot shot into the far corner of the net. This was vintage Craddock. After a virtually anonymous first half showing, he had bagged his customary goal.
Despite this, the U’s did not go on to batter their frail opponents in the same way that Shrewsbury had managed a fortnight ago. If anything, they were fortunate that the Cobblers did not cancel out their advantage. With twenty minutes remaining, Akinfenwa was slipped through and were it not for a crucial intervention from Jake Wright, the biggest man in the Football League would have wheeled away and performed his trademark dancing celebration.
With the game drawing to a close, there was a dramatic last ten minutes in store. First, Craddock was hauled down in Northampton’s box by the woeful Tozer for a penalty. What followed from the resulting spot-kick was rather spectacular, as Craddock smashed the ball high and wide out of the ground and into the car park. The ball was still rising as it flew over the fence behind Northampton’s goal. Thankfully, it did not prove costly, as only two minutes later the rampaging Constable powered his way down the left wing before drilling a firm cross into the box that Deane Smalley (yes Deane Smalley) tapped in for the winner. This was Smalley’s first goal at the Kassam in what has been a testing season for our summer signing. Better late than never I suppose.
Smalley’s shock goal did not spell the end of the drama however, as Heslop missed a five-yard sitter, before that man Akinfenwa had a last gasp penalty wonderfully saved by the excellent Clarke in United’s net. A thrilling last ten minutes in what had otherwise been a dreary encounter void of creativity, invention and panache.
Still, this is a massive boost for Oxford prior to Boxing Day’s clash away at AFC Wimbledon, who have not won in the League since October 8.
Man of the Match: Liam Davis. I can’t believe it was officially given to Andy Whing. His admirable performance today does not disguise the fact that he is out of his depth both in this division and at the heart of the defence. We desperately need Michael Duberry back. Since his absence, Oxford have not only leaked goals but have looked rudderless. His leadership qualities are essential to Oxford’s success.
No comments:
Post a Comment