Oxford United moved to within a point of the play-offs yesterday with a 2-1 win over Wigan at the Kassam Stadium but the scoreline only told half the story of an amazing weekend.
The game was moved back 24 hours initially because of a frozen pitch, then by a further hour to ensure the surface thawed properly. Then once the game did get under way the game was held up and the stadium evacuated after the fire brigade had to come and deal with a fire in a plant room at half time.
“Half time was very different but what we did to get the game on, and what Wigan did, was outstanding. I have never spoken to firemen at half time before and I apologise to the fans if we have ruined their romantic Valentine’s Day plans!” Karl Robinson told iFollow after the game.
“There was the build up, which probably led to the poor performance in the first half. The groundstaff were outstanding but they couldn’t do anything about it being so dry and the ball bouncing so high or us kicking into the wind in the first half- I’m not sure how that came across on iFollow but it was very strong. We maybe went direct a little bit too much but we thought it was a necessity to get to half time 0-0 in those conditions.
“Then during the stoppage the heavens opened and all of a sudden the pitch became slicker and we could play again.
“The changes gave us impetus in two wide areas but very rarely have I seen the way a dressing room was after the game. Every single person was stood up, everyone was saying well done, go again Tuesday and there was a real calmness and appreciation for each other.
“We played well and are one point off the play-offs now with a game in hand.
"If we win on Tuesday we go to Wembley. From where we were- we were bottom of the league at one time- the players deserve a huge amount of credit.”
See the full interview and extended highlights in iFollow