Oxford United were unable to make it two wins this week as they fell short against fellow promotion hopefuls Blackpool.
The Seasiders scored twice in the first half with both goals coming from corners, and the U’s were unable to find a way past the division’s second-best defensive team.
Despite the loss, Oxford are just three points off the playoffs but have dropped to 11th.
Here's how #oufc line up for the visit of Blackpool this afternoon. What do you think to that U's fans? pic.twitter.com/jDm5NDUotM
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) March 20, 2021
Karl Robinson made one change from Tuesday’s victory over Doncaster as Mark Sykes replaced Mide Shodipo on the right of midfield. Elliot Lee missed out with a recurring knee problem.
Jack Stevens began in goal behind a back four of Josh Ruffels, Rob Atkinson, Elliott Moore and Jamie Hanson.
Alex Rodriguez Gorrin sat behind Cameron Brannagan and Liam Kelly with Brandon Barker and Sykes as the wide men. Matty Taylor, who netted a brace on Tuesday, led the line.
With both sides looking to move into the playoffs, it was a cautious start. Dan Ballard came close for the visitors but his header from a corner was cleared off the line from Sykes but Blackpool soon found the opener.
Former Oxford loanee Luke Garbutt saw his corner kick cause problems and Kenny Dougall took advantage of some poor defending to put the ball past Stevens.
Barker looked lively down the left-hand side but it was Sykes with the best opportunity of the opening half an hour, but his effort sailed just wide.
Sulley Kaikai came close as Blackpool began to control the game, and they headed into the break with a two-goal lead. From another corner, Ballard outjumped the U’s defence for the games second.
Anthony Forde and Shodipo came on for Kelly and Gorrin at the break, moving Brannagan into the deeper role behind Sykes and Forde with Shodipo playing on the right.
The game opened up. Shodipo saw an effort blocked by Ballard before Stevens kept out Kaikai at the other end.
Then, Oxford had their greatest opportunity. Ruffels delivered a teasing cross towards Sykes but the midfielder fired wide from close range.
Dan Agyei and the returning Sam Winnall came on with 20 minutes remaining but Stevens was called upon once again, keeping out Elliot Embleton’s attempt.
However, both Agyei and Winnall forced Chris Maxwell into saves but the visitors quickly regained control and saw the game out.
