da dobrowin：
da bet sport： With just one game left of the regular season Oxford United are still within an outside bet of the playoffs, but look more than likely to spend another year in League Two.
To see United climb into the final playoff spot Crewe need to drop all three points when they welcome Aldershot to the Alexandra Stadium on Saturday and we need to win away at Port Vale.
Our promotion race was effectively ended when the U’s suffered a disappointing defeat to high flying Southend in a game which promised to be such a close encounter, but in reality was very one sided.
The Shrimpers, who had already secured a play-off place, dominated the first half scoring two decent goals and upstaging us in every department. It could have also been three if not for the goal line clearance from Michael Duberry. In the second period Oxford put up a bit more of a fight and started passing the ball around, having some more of the possession. Unfortunately they were unable to get anywhere close to scoring and the lack of striking options was clear to see with Scott Rendell the only fully fit attack-minded player.
However it was encouraging to see both Jon-Paul Pittman and Tommy Craddock play a part in the game as they continue their recovery from their respective injuries.
The trouble is that even if United were to find themselves in the playoffs come Saturday evening, they would be facing such an uphill task with such problems up front.
A brighter note from our last home game was the announcement of both the supporter’s player of the year and the player’s player of the year. It was very pleasing to see Andy Whing pick up the supporter’s award and shows just how much the Oxford faithful have changed their opinion of the inspirational midfielder since the start of the season. Ryan Clarke picked up the player’s accolade and you can see why having had another superb season between the sticks, which was unfortunately hampered by an injury in the Torquay game.
Deputy Wayne Brown came in and did really well but then in training also suffered an injury setback, meaning United had to get in an emergency loan. England under 19 ‘keeper Connor Ripley came in from Middlesbrough and did a decent job, even if the first goal was perhaps stoppable, and looks set to have a bright future in the game.
With just the away trip to Port Vale left in the normal season the rebuilding process can begin soon and it will be interesting to see how quickly manager Chris Wilder gets his business done this time round.
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