Oxford United 1-2 Ipswich Town: Ashley Young’s verdict

Ashley Young believes Ipswich Town delivered a strong performance despite falling to a 2-1 defeat at Oxford United.

Mark Harris and Przemysław Płacheta scored either side of Leif Davis’s equaliser, ending the Blues’ six-match unbeaten run.

Ipswich dominated possession with 73% and registered 18 shots, but were left frustrated by missed opportunities and lapses at the back.

“It’s disappointing considering how much of the ball we had and the chances we created,” said the experienced full-back, who entered the match in the second half.

“When we equalised, I really thought we’d be the side to push on and win. We had opportunities to get the second goal, and if we take one, it changes everything.

Oxford would have to come out more and that opens the spaces we can use to hurt them. On another night, that’s exactly how it plays out.

“Even at 2–1 we created great chances to level it. A draw would’ve been valuable, but it wasn’t to be. Nights like this happen — it’s about how you respond.

The fixtures keep coming; we’ve got Blackburn on Tuesday and we’ll look to win that one.”

Asked where Ipswich fell short, the 40-year-old pointed to a lack of ruthlessness and defensive sharpness.

“I think we just needed to be more clinical in front of goal, defend better as a team… there are a few things. On another day, we win this game. It’s unfortunate.”

Young insisted the squad is full of goal-scoring options:
“Everyone in this team can chip in. It just didn’t happen tonight, but we know we’ve got goals all over the pitch.”

Despite a heavy schedule — this was the third of seven games in 22 days — Young said fatigue was not a factor.
“In the second half we looked the stronger team, so I don’t think anything is catching up with us.

We’re fitter than anyone in the division. We’ve put in some good performances recently, and tonight was a good one too — we just didn’t score the goals.”

Azor Matusiwa’s underhit back-pass led to Oxford’s opener, but Young defended his teammate.
“Az has been one of our standout players this season. It happens.

Everyone backed him — on the pitch and in the dressing room. Mistakes are part of the way we play. Nobody is going to tell me they’ve never made one. We’ll learn from it. We’re not going to change how he plays.”

Asked whether Davis’s volleyed equaliser from Marcelino Núñez’s corner was straight off the training ground, Young laughed:
“If you ask our set-piece coach, he’ll probably say yes! Set plays are important and he puts a lot of work into them, but I’m not sure that one was rehearsed!”

Tonight marked Young’s first appearance since a late substitute outing at QPR in early November, and his first action since starting in the 3–0 loss to Charlton on October 21.

“Of course I want to play more,” he admitted. “I may be 40, but I want to contribute as much as possible on the pitch. I know I have a voice in the dressing room, but I want to be out there.”

Ipswich now prepare for their third away match in eight days, returning to Ewood Park on Tuesday for the rearranged fixture against Blackburn.

The Blues missed a chance to climb to second in the Championship and could be overtaken by several teams tomorrow.

“This league is crazy — anyone can beat anyone,” Young added. “All you can do is focus on yourselves and the next game. Tonight is finished. Now it’s about recovery and preparing for Blackburn. There’s a long way to go.”