BBOB pip Oxford Reserves

OXFORD Reserves were unfortunate to be on the wrong end of a seven goal thriller on Saturday.

For the first time this season Oxford took an early lead after a period of pressure and Joe Johnston found the back of the net with a tidy finish.

Oxford were well on top at this stage and had several chances to build on the lead through Damien O’Hagan, Ciaran Tipping and several efforts from Joe Johnston.

Then from a BBOB corner a player was left unmarked at the back post and he put the ball back across goal where it was put into the net from close range. Only a short time later an attack down the right from BBOB finished with a pinpoint cross which was met by a header to put them 2-1 up as Oxford could only ask how they had thrown away all their good work.

At half-time Oxford really could have been a couple of goals ahead and looked to put this right in the second half. As is usually the case the next goal would be crucial and it went to BBOB after poor man marking in midfield, as yet again Oxford gave themselves a mountain to climb to get something out of the game.

The response was very impressive as the team really raised their game and doubled their efforts and soon got a goal back after good work from Tipping played in O’Hagan who beat the keeper with a deft finish. The same pair combined within a few minutes again and this time it was an O’Hagan header which brought the sides level at 3-3.

Oxford had their tails up now and went in search of the winner. However, in the dying minutes, when it seemed a draw would have been a disappointing result for all Oxford's attacking pressure, a cruel and wicked deflection off their centre half saw the ball roll into the corner of the net as yet again luck wasn’t to be on their side.

Such is football and Oxford, though disappointed in the changing room, know they created enough chances to take the points on the day and hard work on the training ground is needed by all to help turn these results around.

Best on the day for Oxford were Damien Hatchell who was very impressive at right wing back, Mel Robinson whose passing set up numerous attacks, and Ciaran Tipping who provided two assists for man of the match Damien O’Hagan.