Midfielder urges the U's to build on Newport win
Oxford United need to build on Saturday’s win over Newport and show the same determination when they take on Cambridge United and Tranmere Rovers in their next two games. That’s the message from Michael Collins whose goal proved decisive in Saturday’s match where United fought ferociously to hold on to their lead despite playing most of the second half with ten men.
“It’s not the first time we’ve put in a performance like that” Michael told Yellow Player after the game “but the difference this time was that we came into the dressing room at half time 1-0 up and you’d be amazed what a difference that makes. In some of the close games before it has been a kick in the teeth to come in having played well but not be in front. The key thing was to come in ahead, and then with the decision in the second half that goal became priceless.”
The influential midfielder, one of United’s most consistent performers this season, believes that a United side with just one defeat in their last six games can now kick on from here.
“We had a meeting on Monday and the things we all said was that there’s not a whole lot wrong with this side at the moment, but we needed to fine tune things. One of the things that everyone said was to do the ugly side of things a little bit better. If ever there was a test of that it was on Saturday and we came through with flying colours.
“We are as confident as any side in the division with the football and on Saturday showed that we can be just as confident without it. Coming into the dressing room knowing you have won despite having your backs to the wall in the second half is a lot better feeling than coming in knowing you have dominated a game but lost.”
“We can’t rest on it now though” warned Michael. “It is three points closer to where we want to be but there is a big game at Cambridge to come and then we have to keep things going in the next home game against Tranmere. There was a really steely look in everyone’s eyes not to let it slip on Saturday and a lot of positives to take away, but they mean nothing if we go and throw it away in the next two games.”
Get behind United as they welcome Tranmere Rovers to the Kassam Stadium for the very first time in our next home game. Tickets are always cheaper in advance and are available from www.oufctickets.co.uk and by calling 01865 337533