Robinson praises players after Oxford earn victory at Rotherham

Posted Sunday, October 20, 2019 by PA

Oxford manager Karl Robinson praised his team for showing a different side of their game as they defeated Rotherham 2-1.

The victory, secured by goals from Tariqe Fosu and Matty Taylor, ensured it is seven games unbeaten in Sky Bet League One for the upwardly mobile United who now occupy a play-off spot.

Rotherham got on terms before the break with Michael Ihiekwe bravely finishing off a move he started from central defence.

But Fosu and Taylor combined in the second half with the latter heading beyond goalkeeper Daniel Iversen deftly for the winner.

Oxford manager Robinson said: “I thought we were excellent and it could have been more. We could have put the game to bed well and truly. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

“I am really proud of my team but it means nothing. It’s just another three points.

“This is a very difficult place to come and play. It’s like the Alamo. It doesn’t matter how much control you have over the game, you know it’s only one slip up or error and you know where the football’s going to go.

“We knew in the first 15 minutes that they would stifle what our style is. We have got some fantastic footballers and men who have shown a different side to them.

“We are not where we should be yet but I think that’s a massive step in the direction of what I expect.

“I wish I had all my players fit. I have got more injuries to key players than most right now but we keep on marching on together.”

Rotherham manager Paul Warne expected better from his side but feels Oxford will be challenging for promotion.

Warne said: “I thought it was two very good teams. The first half was quite equal.

“I honestly thought in the second half we would go out and win but they kept their attacks going better than we did. In the final third the cross or the set-piece wasn’t right.

“I just didn’t feel like we were fluent with the ball. Overall I am disappointed that we lost but we have lost to a very good team. Full respect to Karl, I thought his team were excellent.

“The disappointing thing for me was to concede their second goal. Their first goal was a screamer. But for us to concede a headed goal off the smallest player on the pitch is a bit tougher.

“They’re in the biggest form in the league and they have threats all over the pitch and you could see they’re a good team. They just had a little bit more than we did in the final third.”