Organised, fluid and passionate. Those are just some of the words that could describe a convincing Oxford performance that condemned Blackpool to their 5th defeat in 6 matches. Blackpool once again subsided and crumbled under the faintest pressure, as the excitement of the transfer window continues to fade.
Blackpool were almost instantly under the cosh when Thornily gave away a freekick in a dangerous area. Although the deliveries of the freekick and resultant corner were poor due the swirling wind, the Seasiders already looked tentative and unsure.
With the two big men upfront, Blackpool were a constant threat, even when on the back foot, and against the substantial gusting wind. With this threat, Blackpool managed to find an unlikely opening. Madine twisted and turned and worked his way into the box and moved the ball into his right foot. He swept home on the 10th minute and gave Blackpool a slender advantage. It was the ideal start for Blackpool.
Despite Blackpool showing some vigour having gone one up, Oxford would promptly find a way back into the match. A cross from the right in the 18th minute saw Browne completely unmarked and manage to bundle home. Oxford were level and, although it was a good move by Oxford, they had been unsurprisingly allowed far to much space down Blackpool’s defensive left.
Blackpool were becoming increasingly defensive as time went on, so much so that it simply became a case of trying to get in at the break level. A feat they would ultimately not be able to achieve. Five minutes from the break Oxford won a freekick and Henry delivered a dangerous cross that moved both ways through the wind before dropping to Browne, who was once again unmarked. He had time to pick his spot and curl beyond a rooted Maxwell and send Oxford into the lead.
Blackpool had been against the wind in the first half and were unfortunate to be behind, but they still lacked the creative edge and defensive solidity. A big second half was required.
The Seasiders tried to utilise the wind in the second half, with long distance efforts from Spearing and Turton failing to test Eastwood. The signs were promising though, as Blackpool were starting to sustain some pressure.
Oxford were playing well on the counter attack however. One of those breaks culminated in Nathan Holland having time on the penalty spot to slot home, but instead the Oxford man sliced his effort wide. It was a huge chance.
Blackpool, despite looking frail at the back, were pressing well in search of an equaliser. They almost found it through a corner in the 59th minute, but even when Heneghan headed goal-ward, the ball was scrambled away and off the line. Blackpool remained without reward for their endeavor.
Without an equaliser, Blackpool were susceptible to an Oxford game ending 3rd goal. As the game approached the 70 minute mark, Oxford very nearly broke through. First, Cameron Brannagan drove an effort into the arms of Maxwell, who managed to hold onto the ball with Oxford players around him. This was quickly followed by Browne almost completing his hattrick, but Maxwell was once more equal to the snapshot, beating the ball away.
Oxford wouldn’t get their third, but Blackpool were equally toothless.
They did have the chances though. In the 78th minute almost swiveled to volley home, but Madine prevented the effort from being on target.
Madine, who had so brilliantly provided the opener in the match, will be remembered for all the wrong reasons in this one, as he was once again the culprit in the closing seconds. Indeed, it was a relief to see the short back pass fall to Madine as opposed to Nuttall, but even Madine couldn’t finish. His finish lacked conviction and nicked the wrong side of the post. Perhaps he didn’t know how much time he had, but the lack of composure and clinical touch in the finish was concerning.
Blackpool are now 10 matches without a win and their season, certainly in terms of promotion, seems all but finished. Grayson will be sure to continue to get the backing of Sadler, but if he can not show at least some level of resolve in his side, it is questionable as to how long this backing can possibly last.