Oxford United secured an important win against Blackpool, despite a transfer window setback which saw them lose two key players. United agreed late deals for winger Tariqe Fosu and midfielder Shandon Baptiste to join Championship side Brentford.
Oxford United Win to Boost Play-Off Bid Despite Transfers Setback
Coming From Behind
In League One, United came from behind to beat Blackpool 2-1 at the Kassam Stadium. This sees them remain just three points off the play-off places. Gary Madine’s early goal for Blackpool was cancelled out by Mark Sykes, who deflected a Marcus Browne shot past Chris Maxwell in the Blackpool goal. Browne was to seal the win with an angled finish just before half time. Both sides had chances in the second half and Madine had a golden opportunity to snatch a point for his side at the death. Latching on to a poor back pass, he hit the post when one on one with the Oxford keeper, Simon Eastwood.
It was a morale-boosting win for Oxford, who had seen the departure of two key players in the week. Winger Fosu has ten goals to his name in all competitions this season, though his form had dipped of late. Baptiste is a box-to-box midfielder who came through Oxford’s academy. He has been particularly impressive this season and has scored four goals in 27 appearances.
It is a deal that will frustrate Oxford fans, who will feel it could threaten the club’s push for promotion. The deal happened with just 48 hours of the transfer window remaining and gave manager Karl Robinson little time to respond. At least Oxford had three players back from injury to help cover the departing pair. Cameron Branagan, James Henry and Matty Taylor are all fit again ahead of the big FA Cup home replay against Premier League Newcastle.
Newcastle United in Town for Replay
Oxford manager Karl Robinson has urged his players to use their frustration to push on this season. Next up is an FA Cup fourth-round replay against Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United. Oxford held their Premie League rivals to an impressive goalless draw on Tyneside and will be hoping to complete the job. The reward for the winners is an away tie at West Bromwich Albion and another £135,000 for the victors. Television cameras will be at the Kassam to broadcast the match live, further helping to swell the Oxford coffers.
The money coming in from this cup run will see Oxford fans query the transfer of two key players at this time. This is also after selling Gavin Whyte to Cardiff City in 2019 for a reputed £2 million. However, it is difficult for lower league clubs to stand in the way of young players progressing. What the Oxford fans will want to see is the money re-invested in the team. The lateness of the deal, though, means this will not happen straight away.
Football is all about winning. Oxford need to maintain their form for the transfers to be seen as good business for the club. If the form takes a dip, the fans will vent their frustration at the damage to their promotion hopes.
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