Karl Robinson and Accrington Stanley manager, John Coleman, have had their say on what was a feisty afternoon at the Crown Ground as their sides played out a 2-2 draw.
The U’s twice squandered the lead, with Accrington netting twice against a U’s side that hadn’t conceded in five matches.
Robinson told the Oxford Mail: “Across a Football League season you’ll have horrible days, good days.
“You’ll play well and lose, you’ll play badly and win. I thought one thing the players showed was tremendous appetite and desire.”
“They always give me 100 per cent and it’s a very good fighting point, but we feel we’ve thrown two away.”
Speaking on the first-half injuries to Ben Woodburn and Anthony Forde, Robinson said: “I thought the referee was poor. The tackle on Woody is not good and we’re not happy about it.
“It’s quite swollen on the left ankle and when the referee sees the challenge back I think he’ll be disappointed with his reaction.
“You just hope it’s not bad where it’s three or four weeks, which is my worry right now.”
Meanwhile, Coleman felt that Oxford was one of the best sides his team have faced this season, and his Accrington side have faced four of the current top six.
He told BBC Lancashire: “Karl should be proud of the way he’s got them playing.
“They have a nice rhythm but are also working really hard. They’re not afraid to put their foot in, which I don’t mind. They could be a threat in the league.
“That’s the best passing team in the league. They’re probably the best team we’ve played for the way they moved the ball and pressed us.”
Oxford will be pleased with the point. Accrington are a side that the U’s have come unstuck against in recent meetings, with Coleman’s side winning the previous three.
The one area of concern will be the injuries to Woodburn and Forde, particularly with George Thorne and Jamie Hanson both ruled out for the next three months.
