Oxford United recorded a third successive win for the first time since returning to the Championship with a 1-0 victory over relegation rivals, Blackburn.
A first-half goal from Jamie Donley was enough to separate the sides at Grenoble Road but Matt Bloomfield will be pleased with the display from his team.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Welcome Blackburn
Oxford United Win Against Blackburn
Jamie Donley
There were standout performances from several U’s players but match-winner Jamie Donley was arguably the pick of the bunch.
The Spurs loanee was a constant attacking threat and offers a different option in the final third when Oxford go forward.
With his goal, Stan Mills delivered a cross that was met by Myles Peart-Harris, although the goalkeeper denied him. However, Donley got himself into the right position to slot home his first U’s goal.
Defensive Solidity
Twelve league games into Bloomfield’s tenure, it was a fifth clean sheet under the new head coach.
He’s settled on a back four that, quite simply, are committed to the cause. The quartet throw their bodies on the line, won several aerial duels and remain a nuisance for the opposition.
And then there was Stan Mills. The winger, who was a constant attacking threat throughout, often found himself playing on the right as part of a back five out of possession and this epitomised Oxford’s tactical setup.
For Amelia
On the pitch, Oxford have recorded three successive victories and morale is high amongst the players and fanbase but the club have been dealt a huge blow off the pitch in the last week.
15-year-old academy goalkeeper Amelia Aplin collapsed during a girls’ academy game against Fulham on Sunday and, despite the best efforts from the medical staff and emergency services, sadly passed.
The club paid tribute to Amelia ahead of the game with an impeccably observed minute’s silence while the match officials also stopped play on the 15-minute mark for everybody to applaud.
Credit to the club, Blackburn, the match officials and the entire football community for their tributes and the performance and victory was a touching tribute to a life lost far too early.
Featured image courtesy of SmartFrame/Pro Sports Images
