OXFORD UNITED 1
Dembele 38
SHEFFIELD UTD 0
Chris Wilder said his Sheffield United players “didn’t do enough” to get anything from the Kassam Stadium as they were beaten by struggling Oxford United.
Siriki Dembele’s 38th-minute winner, firing home following a long throw by Will Vaulks, gave Gary Rowett’s hosts a massive three points in their bid to beat the drop.
But this defeat for the Blades was a painful one for Wilder, on his return to his old club, as Burnley overtook them to go to the top of the Championship.
The United boss offered his thoughts on his side’s defeat after the game
Ponderous
He said: “We were up against a team fighting for their life, and they stuck it on us with long throws which were massive, and quality at the top of the pitch, and we never really dealt with that.
“We had one or two opportunities before they scored which we should possibly have taken.
“But that’s what happens when you’re up against an opponent you’re expected to beat, and the crowd’s vociferous and right behind their team.
“Gary’s an extremely talented manager and a good operator, and one (goal) was always going to be enough.
“We played too slow, we were too ponderous, the ball speed wasn’t quick enough from us and allowed them to sit into their shape.”
“It is what it is.
“There was an opportunity there to gain three points, but when you don’t do enough, and full credit to Oxford United and to Gary – they deserved their win – it obviously means an incredible away record comes to an end.
“I didn’t see this coming.”
OH YES! Oxford celebrate Siriki Dembele’s winner
PICTURES: Alamy
Match action
Both teams seemed to be sizing each other out in the opening 10 minutes, not committing too many bodies forward.
Rhian Brewster managed to fire in a shot on the turn that took a slight deflection for the visitors, and soon afterwards at the other end, Oxford’s tall centre half Helik met Dembele’s corner with a firm header, but straight at keeper Michael Cooper.
Oxford’s players were adamant that forward Ole Romeny was elbowed when he went for a header inside the box, but neither referee James Linington nor his assistant saw it.
Wilder’s men went close in the 22nd minute when Harrison Burrows took a return pass to get in behind the home defence and struck an early angled shot that Jamie Cumming beat away.
Cumming made an even better save with an outstretched leg from Tyrese Campbell’s low shot that he must have seen late.
Oxford relied a lot on Vaulks’s long throws, and the height of Helik, Brown and Ben Nelson.
There was a good response from the Blades after going behind to Dembele’s goal in the 38th minute, with Cumming having to make a smart save from Sydie Peck.
Second half
In the second half, Sheffield United piled on the pressure, with Oxford hoping to capitalise on the counter.
Brown made a last-ditch interception when Brewster threatened, and Cumming got down low to save a Campbell effort.
Peck tried his luck from 30 yards while the U’s defended frantically at times.
But the home side held out for what was their second win in 12 games.
Star Man – Siriki Dembele (Oxford United)
Cardiff City
Omer Riza is proud of his Cardiff City troops
Championship
OLIVER’S SET FOR BIG STEP
