Head Coach delighted as the U's win final away game
Oxford United’s fate remains in their own hands as a 2-0 win at Carlisle set up a massive home game this Saturday against Wycombe. A win against Wanderers would see United promoted and Head Coach Michael Appleton told Yellow Player HD that being in control of their own destiny on the last day of the season was something he had been demanding from his players.
“I think that’s been the biggest message that we’ve been getting across to the players for the last four or five game” he told Yellow Player HD. “Don’t rely on other people. We weren’t expecting any favours from anyone today because when you’ve got something to play for like Bristol Rovers and Accrington then you don’t expect them to slip up. We knew what we needed to do ourselves today and I thought we went about it quite well.
“We should have scored more in the first half which was a little bit frustrating. We had three or four opportunities in the first half where we were just a bit sloppy with that final pass.
“I said to the lads that Carlisle would create mayhem at times because they put the ball in the box from corners, free kicks and throw-ins and that is a challenge. But as long as we stayed composed and put our foot through things then we would get opportunities on the break and we did that time and time again.
“The second goal gave us that bit of security. There have been numerous occasions this year where we have gone in front, had opportunities to get the second goal, and not been ruthless enough so I was delighted to see the ball hit the back of the net.”
A sell-out crowd will be there to roar on the team this Saturday at the Kassam Stadium, but the U’s won’t get carried away by the occasion, just stick to their usual pre-match routine this week:
“We won’t do anything different, just the same approach as we’ve had all season. The players will have a day off on Monday because they have worked their socks off this week and a few looked a big leggy today, so we will bear that in mind and make sure they are a fresh as can be for what will be a tough game against Wycombe.”
See the full interview plus extended highlights and an exclusive interview with Chris Maguire, all in Yellow Player HD