Graham gets only goal as Oxford win against Blackpool

Posted Sunday, February 24, 2019 by PA

Oxford inflicted Blackpool’s first Sky Bet League One loss since New Year’s Day and moved out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 victory at Bloomfield Road.

Jordan Graham’s inch-perfect free-kick before half-time proved enough for Karl Robinson’s side to secure their first win in six league matches.

The U’s nearly broke the deadlock when Rob Dickie nodded Luke Garbutt’s floated free-kick into the side netting before the half hour.

Mark Howard diverted Mark Sykes’ dipping effort behind around 10 minutes from half-time, with the Blackpool stopper later denying the Oxford man from distance.

But Howard was powerless to stop Graham’s sublime curling free-kick which flew over the wall and nestled in the top corner five minutes from the break.

Josh Ruffels headed Nick Anderton’s dangerous 53rd-minute cross to safety with Armand Gnanduillet poised to draw Blackpool level.

Curtis Tilt went close before the hour after rising highest to meet Harry Pritchard’s free-kick as Blackpool pressed, while substitute Jordan Thompson nearly took advantage of some uncertain Oxford defending with less than 20 minutes left.

Garbutt tested Howard with a low drive and Blackpool’s Joe Dodoo stung Eastwood’s palms at the other end with a powerful strike as Oxford managed to hang on.