This
match had everything that we have been missing lately: exciting
football, a positive result, and an excellent atmosphere. The mood in
the two camps could hardly have been more different going into
this game, Northampton – unbeaten in five before this match –
fancied their chances, while Oxford had failed to win in four and
were forced to field a much changed side.
The
atmosphere in the stands was audibly improved by the Ultimate
Support Saturday initiative and the enthusiasm of the fans appeared to spur
on the players as well. United made a lively start, passing the ball around
nicely and looking to get forward at every opportunity. 14 minutes
in, Alfie Potter put an excellent ball across the face of goal to
find an unmarked (and offside) James Constable for an easy tap-in and
the lead.
Northampton
looked a good side and had lots of possession, but the better chances
all fell to United, and we could have gone in at the break with a two
or three goal lead. Rigg appeared to have scored with a thunderous
shot only to see it crash off the bar and Forster-Caskey's luck was
no better when his 20-yard effort rebounded off the post. The
resulting corner resulted in a goalmouth scramble which could have
gone anywhere, but just didn't fall right for any of the Oxford
attackers and Northampton were able to scramble the ball away to safety.
It
wasn't all one way; Northampton saw plenty of the ball and spent a
good deal of time around the Oxford box, but for all their endeavour
they failed to create any meaningful chances in the opening 45
minutes.
They
went closer in the second, but still failed to really test Ryan
Clarke, with chances from Adebayo
Akinfenwa and Chris Hackett narrowly missing the target as the
game opened up. And the Cobblers finally got the goal their play had
deserved as the match entered its final 15 minutes when substitute
Clive Platt rose to head in an excellent cross from Hackett.
But
the Oxford response from both fans and players was a positive one and
within a matter of minutes the yellows once more had the lead.
Jon-Paul Pittman had looked lively since his introduction midway
through the half and it was him who latched onto Peter Leven's lofted
through ball. Bearing down on goalkeeper Lee Nicholls a small,
pessimistic voice in my head told me he would miss, but Pittman kept
his composure and coolly slotted home, sending the East Stand into
raptures.
Northampton's
challenge was effectively over after Clarke Carlisle was given his
marching orders for a second yellow card (not for foul
and abusive language as has been reported elsewhere) and we were
able to see the game out relatively comfortably.
There
are some great positives to take from today. The fans were excellent
and today was a fantastic example of what we can achieve when we all
pull in the same direction. The performance of course wasn't perfect,
but was a marked improvement over recent weeks. The defence stood
their ground against a determined and physical attack and we scored
at just the right times. When Northampton scored their equaliser the
momentum appeared to be in their favour and there weren't many who
didn't believe they would go on to win the game, but we showed great
strength of character to immediately restore the lead and see the
game out professionally.
What
a nice change it makes to be able to write a positive match report!
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