admin‘Really disappointing’ – Matt Bloomfield makes honest Oxford admission after Sheffield United defeat
Sheffield United claimed a 3-1 victory over Oxford United at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night, extending their strong home form in the Championship.
Oxford head coach Matt Bloomfield cut a frustrated figure after the match, describing the goals his side conceded as “really disappointing” and conceding that costly mistakes were ruthlessly punished by the hosts.
The Blades had to come from behind to register a fourth consecutive home win. Goals from Sydie Peck and Andre Brooks, along with a late strike from Chiedozie Ogbene on his first appearance since November, sealed the points. Ogbene marked his return in style, coming off the bench to wrap up the win with his first goal in a Sheffield United shirt.
It was Oxford who made the brighter start, taking the lead after 13 minutes. A shot from Cameron Brannagan was spilled by goalkeeper Michael Cooper, allowing Myles Peart-Harris to react quickest and slot home the rebound. Sheffield United initially struggled to find rhythm but gradually grew into the contest and drew level shortly before the interval through Peck.
The second half belonged largely to the home side, who dominated possession and territory. Their pressure eventually told as Brooks fired United ahead, before Ogbene put the result beyond doubt late on. Remarkably, Sheffield United made maximum use of their opportunities, scoring with all three of their shots on target.
Reflecting on the defeat in an interview with BBC Radio Oxford, Bloomfield highlighted his side’s defensive organisation while lamenting the manner of the goals conceded.
“We got ourselves ahead and, although we didn’t have much of the ball, we felt really confident in our shape,” Bloomfield said. “We defended really, really well, so the goals were really disappointing. If you look at it, I think they had three shots on target tonight and scored three goals.”
Despite the result, the Oxford boss was keen to praise his players’ commitment and resilience during a difficult period.
“The boys are giving us everything. I can’t tell you how proud I am of the work rate, the effort and the discipline we’re showing,” he added. “At the moment, we’re getting punished for every little error, but we will come out the other side of that.
“We’re in an incredibly challenging league, in a situation we believe we can fight our way out of. The only way we’ll do that is by fighting.”
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