The Joy of Six

Oxford United enjoyed a superb 6-2 win at Stevenage in the Checkatrade Trophy last night, coming from behind to record their best away win in 55 years and setting up their own ‘Goal of the Season’ competition in the process with some spectacular goals

“There were some outstanding finishes” Coach Derek Fazackerley told iFollow. “We were clinical in the final third of the pitch, which players work on. It doesn’t always come off but when it does it’s nice to see. It wasn’t just the finishing though, it was the movement to create those situations as well.

“In the first thirty minutes of the game it was tough. We went far too long too early and played too many balls back to Simon Eastwood. I think he was our most overused player in the first 20 to 25 minutes and he kicked a minimum of 20 balls into their half of the field, which was meat and drink to their centre-halves.

“Stevenage made it hard for us as a result but once we got the equaliser and back into the game we started to show the ability and confidence we have got in the side. Obviously in the end at 6-2 we were quite comfortable and you have to say that our display from 30 minutes onwards was outstanding.

“We think we’ve got a decent squad so the players who came in have to produce it when they get an opportunity. For one or two players it was a chance to show us what they can do in a side that’s playing with confidence and playing well. It’s great to have those options available and it certainly gives the Manager and coaching staff some interesting questions. That’s a nice position to be in ahead of a big game at MK Dons on Saturday.”