Oxford United squandered yet another lead but left relegation rivals Blackburn with what could be a vital point.
Ciaron Brown opened the scoring for the U’s but the hosts levelled with just over ten minutes remaining from the spot.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Travel to Blackburn
Oxford United Draw at Blackburn
Change of System
Despite Gary Rowett serving a touchline ban, the U’s head coach made a tactical change for the trip to Ewood Park.
Oxford played with a back three of Brown, Ben Davies and Michal Helik with Greg Leigh and Hidde ter Avest in as the wing backs.
Will Vaulks and Brian De Keersmaecker continued as the midfield duo with Luke Harris just ahead, while Mark Harris was partnered alongside top scorer, Will Lankshear.
Defensively, the U’s looked more sturdy, despite Jamie Cumming being forced into making some key saves but at the other end, Rowett’s side looked lost in attack with Harris and Lankshear passengers for much of the game.
Tale of Two Penalties
Inside just three minutes, Oxford saw a penalty claim waved away after the ball struck the arm of the defender. Admittedly, the incident may have been out of sight for the referee but given how long it’s been since the U’s were awarded a penalty, it was a frustrating call.
Then, with just over ten minutes remaining, Blackburn were awarded a spot kick for a similar infringement. A long through was hurled in and the ball struck Jack Currie on the arm with the defender in front of goal. Yes, it was the right call but from an Oxford perspective, it was an aggravating decision.
Precious Point
Despite squandering a lead against a relegation rival, leaving Blackburn with a point could be crucial by the end of the season.
Oxford assistant head coach, Mark Sale, echoed this in his post-match interview saying that any away point in the Championship is a good result.
Yes there will be frustrations with how the game played out but it’s another point on the board and just one defeat in five as a result.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
