Oxford United will have to play even better when they meet Newcastle United for the second time in Tuesday night's Emirates FA Cup replay
That's the view of Head Coach Karl Robinson who told iFollow that he thought a draw was fair after 90 minutes at St James' Park.
"Territorially they dominated in certain areas of the pitch" he said. "They are going to because they are a very good Premier League side. So that was always going to be difficult for us but arguably in the final fifteen minutes we had the better chances. I thought we looked quite strong and limited their opportunities to score. But I have said to the players today that we will be up against a better Newcastle on Tuesday night so we have to make sure we are a better Oxford team.
“We wont change the way we play. Our identity is very clear. It didn’t change against West Ham or Man City and I don’t see it changing on Tuesday either.
"James Henry is having a scan today and won’t be involved so Dan Agyei replaces him in the squad. We don’t think it’s a serious problem for James, just a bit of stiffness, but we don’t want to take any risks. Otherwise it’s the same squad. Anthony Forde will hopefully be available for Saturday.
"Everyone at Newcastle, everyone around us, knew about us as a club and Steve Bruce and his staff were brilliant with us. It really hit home what a fantastic club they have got up there, one they are rightly very proud of. We know we have a massive job on our hands tomorrow and we are going to have to play a lot better than we did in the first meeting if we want to get through and have a chance of playing for a place in the quarter-final.
"It’s a massive ask. Our odds will be very long and we are big underdogs, but I don’t mind that. Ultimately, what happens is down to us…”
See the full interview plus the thoughts of Alex Gorrin, only in iFollow