Oxford United suffered their first defeat of the season as the U’s lost 2-1 at table-topping Blackpool.
Josh Ruffels reduced the deficit in first-half stoppage time, but Karl Robinson’s side were already two goals down against the Tangerines who themselves have won their opening three fixtures.
Your #oufc XI this afternoon: pic.twitter.com/DyxUh6XtzI
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) August 17, 2019
Following the U’s win over Peterborough United in the Carabao Cup, Robinson almost reverted back to his original eleven that started the previous two league games, but Tariqe Fosu sat on the bench after a slight hamstring strain.
Simon Eastwood began in goal, with Ruffels on the left and Chris Cadden on the right. John Mousinho and Rob Dickie were the centre back pairing after Mousinho returned to the starting eleven, replacing Elliott Moore.
With Fosu out, Robinson change formation. Alex Rodriguez Gorrin sat in front of the back four, whilst Jamie Hanson partnered Cameron Brannagan in the centre of midfield. Ben Woodburn switched to the left of midfield, while James Henry remained on the right, as did Jamie Mackie up top.
Despite a positive start to the season for the U’s, they fell behind after just five minutes. A corner, something Oxford have defending impressively this season, was headed home by Ryan Edwards.
Early signs were that the U’s were lacking pace with the absence of Fosu, but the best chances came down the right through Cadden and Henry.
The U’s should have equalised ten minutes before the break; Henry saw his effort saved by Jak Alnwick but Mackie scuffed the rebound from just six yards out.
The U’s were on top. Woodburn saw a 25 yard effort strike the post, but the hosts doubled their lead against the run of play. Liam Feeney broke forward down the right and his ball over the top found Armand Gnanduillet, who made the most of a challenge from Dickie to win a soft penalty. The former U’s loanee took the spot-kick himself, finding the bottom left corner.
The U’s were angered at the decision but reduced the deficit before the break after Ruffels turned home Cadden’s cross.
The second half was a lively affair. The hosts appealed for a second penalty after Henry fouled Jordan Thompson, but the referee Darren Drysdale didn’t award it.
The U’s then had two penalty appeals turned down. Dickie on two occasions felt he was fouled, either side of an excellent save from Alnwick to deny Woodburn.
Hanson struck the bar as the U’s second half dominance closed in on an equaliser, but despite their control, they failed to find the equaliser they were deserved.
