U's look to keep it going as they meet the Addicks
Oxford United look to extend their unbeaten run to a fourth game as they welcome Charlton Athletic on Saturday in EFL league 1. The U’s have won their last two home games and then drew away at MK Dons last weekend, and First Team Coach Derek Fazackerley is hoping his side can build on that seven point haul:
“It’s important we keep it going after building up a little bit of momentum, albeit against a very good Charlton side” he told Yellow Player HD. “We have two tough away games coming up so we have to take advantage of the points we have picked up at home and maintain that.”
The last home game saw a tremendous win over local rivals Swindon and Derek was delighted to see United put in just as committed a performance at Stadium MK last week.
“I think one of the good things was that at a fantastic stadium like that the lads responded on the day and certainly did enough to get a point. It’s the same again on Saturday against a big club, Charlton, who have come down from the Championship so it will be a test for us”
Three clean sheets in a row have provided United with a solid foundation and the arrival of Charlie Raglan and Phil Edwards has given the U’s a very resolute look.
“Very much so” Derek agreed. “In the early part of the season we were conceding one or two too many goals, with disruptions because of the injuries we’ve had which made it difficult, but Charlie has come in and done very well and Phil Edwards has come in and steadied the ship as well. There’s no doubt he knows his trade. His experience has been a big factor for us. So over the last two or three games things have settled down and long may it continue.”
There will be another big crowd on Saturday and another fantastic atmosphere, something that Derek believes can play a massive part for the United players.
“I think you can see how a full house and a crowd like we had against Swindon helps the players on the day. There is nothing like running out in front of a capacity crowd. It makes our job a little bit easier in terms of motivation; those types of games tend to look after themselves. And obviously with another bumper crowd against Charlton, against a side I feel will be challenging for promotion come the end of the season, hopefully another great atmosphere lifts the lads and we can pick up another three points.”
See the full interview, plus the thoughts of Charlie Raglan and Marvin Johnson in the Preview Show in Yellow Player HD
It is going to be another great occasion. Get behind the U’s as we take on the Addicks. Call 01865 337533 or visit www.oufctickets.co.uk to join us on Saturday.