Robinson relieved to claim first win as Oxford edge closer to safety

Posted Sunday, April 15, 2018 by PA

Boss Karl Robinson insisted Oxford’s vital 2-0 win over Southend – his first since taking charge – was not about him.

The victory came after successive home games in which the U’s had failed to score, and lifted them to 50 points, seemingly clear now from the danger of relegation.

James Henry fired Oxford in front in the sixth minute with a low shot after dribbling past two players and Brazilian left-back Ricardinho got the second goal just before half-time, from Jon Obika’s pass, having started the move by running the length of the pitch.

Robinson said: “The overriding feeling is one of relief. But this is not about me.

“It was nice to get that win most of all for the fans, and the players, who have deserved it.

“I’m so proud of the players, they performed ever so well. Every aspect of our game was very good.

“They were so down after losing to Fleetwood on Tuesday that we felt we had to do something to lift their spirits.

“So we went to the David Lloyd Centre and organised some head tennis games instead of the normal training session, just to relieve the tension.

“It was great, it really helped lift the mood.

“We were on fire in the first 15 minutes. We missed too many chances for my liking, but they had a number of opportunities they didn’t take too.

“Ricardinho is a diamond. I love him because he plays with his heart. That was Derek Fazackerley’s call to bring him back into the team, saying you need some men.”

Robinson added: “The staff who are here have been fantastic. I’ve come in here with no staff but have respected what they tell me, and they’ve respected what I say.

“We’ve got to 50 points now and that’s the figure everyone talks about as being enough. So we’re more or less safe, but not quite safe, if you see what I mean. One more win, and 53 points, and we definitely will be.”

Southend boss Chris Powell was unhappy with his side’s display.

He said: “I’m very disappointed. We were playing against a team who had been losing and who were desperate for a win, and we let them have their first goal.

“I’m not happy with what I’ve seen. I really hope it’s not end-of-season syndrome because I thought I knew what I’d got with my players, and this performance now gives me a lot to think about all of a sudden.

“We were second best throughout – yet, saying that, we still had moments.

“If Dru Yearwood’s shot that hits the post goes in it’s a different game. And their keeper saved from Anthony Wordsworth and Simon Cox. But then our keeper has saved a few as well.”