Karl Robinson hails Oxford’s character as they hit back for point.

Posted Sunday, January 13, 2019 by PA

Karl Robinson was pleased with Oxford’s character as they fought back to draw 2-2 at Fleetwood.

Wes Burns and Paddy Madden gave the home side a 2-0 half-time lead but James Henry’s 52nd-minute effort and a Jamie Mackie strike 12 minutes later levelled things up at Highbury.

Robinson was pleased with the spirit of his relegation-threatened side, and said: “In the first half they played like an away team.

“We were like the home team trying to ask questions and every time we tried to shoot they blocked it.

“They knew we had pace up front so they dropped to the edge of the box and our quick players became less effective.

“We were able to make the change at half-time with Jamie and it meant they couldn’t drop to the edge of the box.

“I’m really pleased for the players because they dug themselves out of a hole in relation to the two silly goals we conceded again.

“We had a few things to say at half-time and the players’ mentality, most importantly, was perfect in the second half.”

Ched Evans’ suspension saw Ashley Nadesan make his first league start for the Cod Army as he returned from his nine-goal loan spell at Carlisle to join a new-look front three.

He teed-up Madden for the second goal and boss Joey Barton says it is like having a new signing as he bemoaned the mistakes that lead to Oxford’s comeback.

He said: “It’s really frustrating because this week we’ve had to absorb a ban for Ched Evans, which is difficult, and Ash Hunter having a tight hamstring and not being able to risk him.

“Obviously that is our main source of creativity along with Paddy Madden, but Wes got his goal and looked a real threat and Nadders coming back off loan got his assist.

“He was a bright positive spark for us and he is like having a new signing. He will get fitter and stronger because the demands of League One are a lot more intense than League Two.

“I’m really pleased with his performance.

“There are elements of the game that I’m happy with but obviously the fact we’ve given up a commanding lead in a game is really disappointing.

“But it is these individual errors that we need to cut out. If we don’t I will have to start taking people out of the team and playing the academy lads because I cannot keep making excuses for certain individuals. They have been told.”