Oxford United played out a six goal thriller against Blackpool in the League One playoff semi final, but the 3-3 draw saw the Seasiders progress to the final.
The U’s took the lead through Matty Taylor but the hosts soon went 2-1 up. Oxford levelled through Rob Atkinson but Blackpool regained their lead just moments later. A third goal from substitute Mide Shodipo levelled the match but the visitors still found themselves three goals behind on aggregate.
Here’s how #oufc start at Blackpool. pic.twitter.com/RQ1ua1Pb7T
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) May 21, 2021
Karl Robinson made one change from the first leg defeat with Anthony Forde replacing Jamie Hanson at right back.
Jack Stevens began in goal behind a back four of Josh Ruffels, Atkinson, Elliott Moore and Forde.
Cameron Brannagan was deemed fit enough to start in the holding role despite coming off with a hamstring injury on Tuesday, with Mark Sykes and James Henry ahead of him.
Brandon Barker started on the left with Elliot Lee on the right and Taylor, who was making his 100th Oxford appearance, began up top.
Despite their three-goal advantage, Blackpool could have added an early goal in the second leg but Ellis Simms directed his header go straight at Stevens.
Three goals down from the first leg, Oxford knew they needed an early goal to get themselves back into the tie. On seven minutes, that’s what they got. Forde looped a free-kick into the box and the ball fell to Taylor who slotted home his 19th goal of the season.
Was the unlikeliest of comebacks on? No. Shortly after, the ball was played out to Elliot Embleton, and the midfielder cut inside and curled the ball past Stevens.
Two minutes later, Blackpool took the lead on the night. The corner looked poor but it was kept alive before Kenny Dougall slammed home the goal.
Oxford looked shocked and the hosts looked in control. Simms saw an effort blocked by Stevens before the U’s goalkeeper tipped over a cross from Demetri Mitchell.
Oxford started the second half the way they began the first and could have levelled the match within three minutes, but Henry struck the post.
The early pressure paid off as Oxford soon found an equaliser. Henry’s free-kick was met by Atkinson with goalkeeper Chris Maxwell unable to reach the ball.
However, Blackpool restored their advantage just minutes later. Mitchell found space down the right and his cross found Jerry Yates, who took his time before slotting home the hosts’ third.
Substitute Shodipo reacted quickly after Maxwell only parried Dan Agyei’s cross to level the match with 16 minutes remaining.
Maxwell denied the QPR loanee shortly after before Stevens stopped an effort from Yates at the other end.
Still with a three-goal deficit, Oxford were unable to find a way back into the game, meaning Blackpool will head to Wembley.
