Rotherham United 3 (O'Connor 30 & 74, Taylor 88) Oxford United 1 (Rigg 7) (From The Oxford Times)
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Rotherham United 3 (O'Connor 30 & 74, Taylor 88) Oxford United 1 (Rigg 7)
5:02pm Saturday 29th September 2012 in Sport
By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458
OXFORD United's losing streak was extended to six league games as they went down despite taking the lead at Rotherham United.
Sean Rigg gave the visitors a perfect start with a clinical finish early on, but a brace from Michael O'Connor put the Millers in front.
The game hinged on a passage of play two minutes from time.
James Constable came desperately close to an equaliser when his header was turned on to the post and within seconds Rotherham broke for Jason Taylor to make it 3-1 and pile the misery on Chris Wilder's side.
The visitors' starting line-up showed four changes from the 2-0 defeat to Bradford City a week earlier.
The most surprising was in goal, where Ryan Clarke was dropped and replaced by Wayne Brown. Harry Worley, Jake Forster-Caskey and Rigg also came into the side.
After suffering five straight defeats the U's looked to take no risks in their own half, moving the ball forward quickly for Tom Craddock where possible.
They got away to a fast start, opening the scoring after seven minutes.
Forster-Caskey rolled a corner out to the edge of the box for Rigg, who slammed home a low shot for his first United goal.
With Worley very effective in giving extra protection to the back four, Rotherham were frustrated for 25 minutes.
United could have doubled their lead midway through the half following an incisive break.
Forster-Caskey and Craddock twice exchanged passes, but the latter took one touch too many when through on goal, allowing goalkeeper Scott Shearer to smother.
The visitors got a huge let-off on 26 minutes, after Brown dropped a cross under pressure.
The ball fell to Ben Pringle, whose shot beat the goalkeeper but hit Damian Batt before ricocheting to safety via the crossbar and post.
Lionel Ainsworth hit the woodwork with the next attack, but from the rebound Batt brought down Kayode Odejayi for a penalty.
O'Connor stepped up to level the scores from 12 yards.
Rotherham were on top for the final 15 minutes of the half, but the U's held firm to go in all square at the break.
Odejayi came within a whisker of giving Rotherham the lead on the stroke of half time, but his curling shot flew narrowly wide.
The U's began the second half as brightly as they did in the first, with Worley heading just over at a corner and Rigg twice testing Shearer.
But Rotherham looked increasingly dangerous going forward, pushing their opponents back.
Kieran Agard came off the bench to add menace, while Odejayi had more of an influence once an exhausted Worley, who had not played a minute this season, came off on the hour.
Brown made several saves but was powerless 16 minutes from time, when the Millers took the lead.
Nicky Hunt got in down the right and when his hanging cross was only half-cleared, O'Connor was on hand to smash low into the net.
Rotherham should have quickly made the game safe, as United desperately tried to stay in the game.
Brown tipped a fizzing drive from Pringle over the bar, which led to Forster-Caskey clearing an effort off the line.
Constable came off the bench and almost claimed a point two minutes from time. The striker nodded Rigg's cross goalwards, but Shearer got a fingertip on it and diverted the ball onto the post.
Deane Smalley's follow-up was blocked by the goalkeeper and from the clearance Rotherham broke and Taylor tapped in the decisive third goal.
Oxford: Brown, Batt, Raynes, Worley (Leven 63), Wright, Potter, Cox, Capaldi, Forster-Caskey (Constable 81), Craddock (Smalley 57), Rigg.
Unused subs: Clarke, Heslop, O'Brien, Boateng.
Rotherham: Shearer, Hunt, Morgan, Sharps, Harris, Ainsworth, Arnason, O'Connor (Bradley 90), Pringle (Taylor 84), Evans (Agard 57), Odejayi.
Unused subs: Warrington, Mullins, Nardiello, Noble.
Referee: Graham Salisbury.
Attendance: 7,258 (460 visitors).
Comments(51)
Chish and Fips
says...
5:28pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Tarkus wrote:1-3 away at Rotherham not the end of the world - was to be expected to be honest - can you lot afford to change managers and all that entails (costs etc..)
For the sake of everyone - GO WILDER go NOW
Flipmode
says...
5:32pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Tarkus wrote:High injury rate
For the sake of everyone - GO WILDER go NOW
+
low funds =
-18pts
Do the maths not the blame game.
Flipmode
says...
5:33pm Sat 29 Sep 12
+
low funds =
-18pts
Do the maths not the blame game.
LeGod
says...
5:39pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Whereas your neighbours in red down the road now FOURTH in LEAGUE 1 and another win today.
FOREVER IN OUR SHADOW
oldun
says...
6:03pm Sat 29 Sep 12
dorsetbob
says...
6:16pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Brian Gibbs
says...
6:32pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Yet again Batt lets himself and the team down by taking out a player who is facing away from the goal when the ball looked as if it was going out of play. He did the same thing at Bradford last season and got sent off.
The second goal wa down to the fact that Capaldi had no leg left, but was left on the pitch for the last 30 minutes.
The third goal was was just bad defending and Brown who lost the ball when he had it in his hands.
Leven came on but he is clearly not fit and without Worley, who had a good game, it was only a matter of time before Rotherham scored and so they did.
Why CW did not bring on O' Brien or Boateng for Capaldi is beyoud me because Rotherham did not play well and just as with Burton and Bradford we have lost in my view because the manager has run out of ideas.
We need someone new now please, it is time for CW and his backroom team to go.
Beau champ mummy
says...
7:08pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Beau champ mummy
says...
8:02pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Chish and Fips
says...
8:13pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Beau champ mummy wrote:The Oxford goalie tried that too - but dropped it .....
I am sat here with my head in my hands thinking will this shambles ever end
foxvox
says...
9:21pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Chish and Fips
says...
9:56pm Sat 29 Sep 12
foxvox wrote:There's a board meeting round Daddies place over the family Sunday Dinner.
How long before we get a word from the Chairman? It's time Chris Wilder got a vote of confidence ....
badger86
says...
10:42pm Sat 29 Sep 12
marston old boy
says...
11:32pm Sat 29 Sep 12
I have supported Oxford for over 35years and can see no hope at the moment I really hope IL has a master plan like the film Moneyball!
adlibber
says...
11:59pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Le God - one day our paths will cross - I look forward to that day...
adlibber
says...
12:11am Sun 30 Sep 12
badger86 wrote:How about you? Clearly you think sticking with Wilder is the answer.
Wilder out. wilder out. wilder out. wilder out. But no suggestions for who else?????????
AylesburyOx
says...
7:09am Sun 30 Sep 12
For the sake of the club I love, Mr Lenagan please make the changes before it's too late
hawkeye1
says...
7:58am Sun 30 Sep 12
mid 60's, like someone suggested a while back, to go down the road and give Oxford City a watch, think I will do that.
Malkym
says...
8:34am Sun 30 Sep 12
So Brenda my lovely shim? when are you going to realise that watching the Yellows get hammered week in week out is futile -let me show you some proper footie just down the road - I think you'll find it so much more enjoyable - bring on the Villa - we might not win but hey we're in the tie to start with - good luck for your next bog roll cup game.
Malkym
says...
8:37am Sun 30 Sep 12
adlibber wrote:and what will you do Oh mighty U'sless one
Beyond parody beyond redemption beyond saving - we have taken a giant leap backwards. Wilder is a man who can't believe his luck too hopeless to continue too expensive to sack. Lenagan no better than Kassam- everybody wants to make money out of a pot that's empty. Le God - one day our paths will cross - I look forward to that day...
bigchet
says...
10:03am Sun 30 Sep 12
jbowling
says...
10:29am Sun 30 Sep 12
We are too good to go down. We are playing good stuff just not scoring enough and letting too many in.
When the injured players are back it'll be different.
newoxford
says...
10:41am Sun 30 Sep 12
adlibber
says...
10:57am Sun 30 Sep 12
Malkym wrote:well I won't do the same as you and keep blindfold on until we're back in the Conference
adlibber wrote:and what will you do Oh mighty U'sless one
Beyond parody beyond redemption beyond saving - we have taken a giant leap backwards. Wilder is a man who can't believe his luck too hopeless to continue too expensive to sack. Lenagan no better than Kassam- everybody wants to make money out of a pot that's empty. Le God - one day our paths will cross - I look forward to that day...
adlibber
says...
11:01am Sun 30 Sep 12
Malkym wrote:oh I see you're a troll - one that thrives on relentless attacks on a woman - Is this how you work in Swindon. You're as gutless as Le God - maybe you and him spend so much time on here because your own small unimaginative town has made you outcasts - it would figure.
adlibber wrote:and what will you do Oh mighty U'sless one
Beyond parody beyond redemption beyond saving - we have taken a giant leap backwards. Wilder is a man who can't believe his luck too hopeless to continue too expensive to sack. Lenagan no better than Kassam- everybody wants to make money out of a pot that's empty. Le God - one day our paths will cross - I look forward to that day...
Chish and Fips
says...
11:10am Sun 30 Sep 12
adlibber wrote:Oh dear, here we go, another fall back on the ol' Tripadvisor quote when they have run out of ammo. - yawn !!!.
Malkym wrote:oh I see you're a troll - one that thrives on relentless attacks on a woman - Is this how you work in Swindon. You're as gutless as Le God - maybe you and him spend so much time on here because your own small unimaginative town has made you outcasts - it would figure.
adlibber wrote:and what will you do Oh mighty U'sless one
Beyond parody beyond redemption beyond saving - we have taken a giant leap backwards. Wilder is a man who can't believe his luck too hopeless to continue too expensive to sack. Lenagan no better than Kassam- everybody wants to make money out of a pot that's empty. Le God - one day our paths will cross - I look forward to that day...
Would hardly class a few invites to watch decent football an 'attack', more like trying to help and assist a person out of their misery more like.
Have a good week you lot.
stfc2011
says...
11:26am Sun 30 Sep 12
Anewoufc
says...
11:29am Sun 30 Sep 12
I hear the chairman has applied for several jobs at other clubs in the past 6 mths ... Clearly seeing OUFC as a stepping stone !
Club is going nowhere but NON league again with this bunch in charge!
BigAlBiker
says...
11:41am Sun 30 Sep 12
He has done well, but his level topped out last season, time for a change.
LeGod
says...
12:24pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Harry Redknapp - now you are clutching at straws.
after all your mouthing off last season to us they say what goes around comes around and nothing is more satisfactory seeing you lot crying in your beer as you are the most obnoxious lot of fans who think your bigger than you are and all you are is a team back in the football league but at the best Wilder is taking you back to where you belong -THE CONFERENCE and im loving every minute of your club going down the league.
wend
says...
12:59pm Sun 30 Sep 12
remberingthe80s
says...
12:59pm Sun 30 Sep 12
maybe just maybe harry isnt out of the question he has good links with jim smith.
remmber him. i remmber someone saying he wouldnt come back a few years ago.
the needs a new ground and new onwers someone with vison and mouth and sorry to say mr branson isnt interested, but harry has money and mouth.
lets see.
all this has happened as sson as mr Lenagan as turn up so there is a power vacum.mr lenagan
oldun
says...
1:00pm Sun 30 Sep 12
oldun
says...
1:00pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Chish and Fips
says...
1:01pm Sun 30 Sep 12
BigAlBiker wrote:Sorry BigAl but you must be on something really strong .... If you were 'arry would you honestly take on this mess, or given the choice Bornmuff with their Russian money backers., or just have a year out and poddle around your Sandbanks home.
Harry Redknapp is available, he'll I'd spend the money to get him as Wilder has lost the plot.
He has done well, but his level topped out last season, time for a change.
No brainer eh !
Chish and Fips
says...
1:05pm Sun 30 Sep 12
oldun wrote:I think also you need decent backers to clear the mill stone of the ground charges etc.. with some to spare for players.
We weren't small for most of the years from 68 until 98. This problem must pass - soon please . One day we will get a decent manager - please!!
Would CW be better if he could get the players in he wants and have a bigger squad.
We know what it is like on both sides of this awful situation.
The Manager
says...
2:29pm Sun 30 Sep 12
oldun
says...
2:43pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Chish and Fips
says...
2:52pm Sun 30 Sep 12
oldun wrote:or P-4-.5 perhaps :o(
442 , Mr Wilder
Sialan_99
says...
3:00pm Sun 30 Sep 12
oldun
says...
3:24pm Sun 30 Sep 12
There are lots of little clubs in there - who are obviously much better run and managed .
No , I did not say that United are as big as the biggest clubs in the third tier - but we are bigger than most - and you know it
oldun
says...
3:24pm Sun 30 Sep 12
There are lots of little clubs in there - who are obviously much better run and managed .
No , I did not say that United are as big as the biggest clubs in the third tier - but we are bigger than most - and you know it
Flipmode
says...
3:50pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Yellows♥
dave from witney
says...
4:34pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Anewoufc wrote:Just what are you on !!!. Can you name one 'local' persson who is willing to put in money and run the club then. What I would like to know is how anyone can apply for a 'job' as a Managing Director/Chairman of a football club. I.L. is here whether for the long stay nobody knows, however it's his money keeping the club afloat and up to him to make the right decisions. Lets hope he makes the right one now for the sake of our season. As for Saturday, plenty of possession and a few more shots than of late, but far too many mistakes. Our dispair at the lack of improving the squad over the close season has as we all expected, come back to haunt us. It's no good Wilder and Lewis blaming injuries, those players on the sidelines...Leven..g
Isn't it about time the current board left and let the club be run by LOCAL people who aren't in it for the money?
I hear the chairman has applied for several jobs at other clubs in the past 6 mths ... Clearly seeing OUFC as a stepping stone !
Club is going nowhere but NON league again with this bunch in charge!
ood start last year, but tailed off. Chapman, a better option than some, but still not the greatest..Dubes, again can be good, but not too consistent in the second half of last year. Davies...promised well but then went downhill. Who really can you look to and say hand on heart when they are back..we will be better every week and get us up in the top seven . Plus we have a £200k striker who can't score goals, a couple of seasons ago he would have taken his chance in the last five minutes on Saturday. In all a pretty poor squad..fit or otherwise. A new broom is needed and quickly.
Brenda Jackson
says...
6:26pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Sad as they are, there's a little sympathy,
poor little things having to big themselves up by bragging about 'their' team and how somehow it makes them better than they really are.
'We' support our Club and are proud to do so, not our fault we have not got the Leadership at the top -yet, to deliver the success on the pitch, we will have -and soon, i'm certain of that. Another thing i'm certain of, no matter what position our team is in- we're so glad we don't live in the skip.
Beau champ mummy
says...
6:50pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Malkym
says...
7:41pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Brenda Jackson wrote:Bren -tell Addlibber you're not a woman are you! Methinks you should add an N to your handle -then we'd have it eh! Sorry but can't see you turning the tide anytime soon.
The amount of trolls from swinedom grunting and snorting on here is very amusing, proof they really do keep it in the family. Sad as they are, there's a little sympathy, poor little things having to big themselves up by bragging about 'their' team and how somehow it makes them better than they really are. 'We' support our Club and are proud to do so, not our fault we have not got the Leadership at the top -yet, to deliver the success on the pitch, we will have -and soon, i'm certain of that. Another thing i'm certain of, no matter what position our team is in- we're so glad we don't live in the skip.
Flipmode - keep that little thought -and boy is it little, that you saw the "mighty" pmsl - Pox beat the cream in the p1ss pot -hang on to that dream my boy cos you'll need it as you trawl the depths of the Blue square again -not seen L1 for 12 years eh? Not likely to for another 12 x12 methinks - have a great week everybody especially Brenda - love and hugs if you are of the female gender :)
Simon84
says...
10:28pm Sun 30 Sep 12
jbowling wrote:The club thought we were too good to go down when we fell out of the league last time. Players and management all said it and it took us a while to get back. We cannot ever make that mistake again. Sadly last time we did this Lenegan was owner as well or at least part owner anyway. Lets hope heads arn't buried in the sand again and the same happens again.
Yes great idea - give him till Christmas -no let's give him till the end of the season.
We are too good to go down. We are playing good stuff just not scoring enough and letting too many in.
When the injured players are back it'll be different.
To say we are playng good stuff you should of gone to specs*vers or your just going to different matches than everyone else.
oldun
says...
8:09am Mon 1 Oct 12
Malkym
says...
1:34pm Mon 1 Oct 12
Simon84 wrote:Down down deeper and down !! If you want to see real good stuff - you need to go to the County Ground - go on you know it makes sense.
jbowling wrote: Yes great idea - give him till Christmas -no let's give him till the end of the season. We are too good to go down. We are playing good stuff just not scoring enough and letting too many in. When the injured players are back it'll be different.The club thought we were too good to go down when we fell out of the league last time. Players and management all said it and it took us a while to get back. We cannot ever make that mistake again. Sadly last time we did this Lenegan was owner as well or at least part owner anyway. Lets hope heads arn't buried in the sand again and the same happens again. To say we are playng good stuff you should of gone to specs*vers or your just going to different matches than everyone else.
Tarkus says...
5:10pm Sat 29 Sep 12