Robinson salutes ‘angry’ Oxford response

Oxford boss Karl Robinson hailed an “angry” second-half performance as Matty Taylor’s stoppage-time equaliser earned his side a 2-2 draw at Burton.

United had to come from behind twice to grab a share of the spoils. Substitute Dan Agyei cancelled out Rob Dickie’s own goal just a minute after coming on, only for Jamie Murphy’s third goal in five appearances to put the Brewers back in front.

Robinson was pleased with his side’s response to a half-time dressing down.

“The players know how stern the words were at half-time” he said. “A few things got said, but I thought we played angry second half. We had a bit of anger to ourselves and that is something that we have got to find internally at the start of games.

“First half we were comfortable without being good and the goal we conceded was just stupid. I don’t remember too many chances they created with their territorial dominance and I thought we were better in the second half than they were in the first.

“There were a lot of things in there that were wrong, but there were also a lot of things I can use going forwards and get right. It’s a good point right now and I am very proud of my players.”

Burton boss Nigel Clough was left frustrated as his side were held at home for the second game running and bemoaned their failure to see out the match.

“Our defending at the end tonight was the complete opposite of Saturday (in the 0-0 draw) against Gillingham,” he said. “We had three opportunities to deal with the ball leading up to the goal and failed to do it and we end up with a 2-2 instead of the three points in the bag. A very unprofessional end to the game.

“We were playing against a very good team in Oxford. Both teams got the ball down and tried to pass it.

“I think Oxford probably edged the possession and they are a very confident side on the ball as they showed taking Newcastle so close in the FA Cup last week, but after we got the second goal and you are getting into added time, that is when you need somebody to really stand up and for the whole team to stand up and not make mistakes.”