Wilder hails Oxford United fans after ending losing streak (From The Oxford Times)
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Wilder hails Oxford United fans after ending losing streak
9:30am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in Sport
By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458
Alfie Potter celebrates after grabbing United’s winner against AFC Wimbledon to end a run of six defeats
CHRIS Wilder hailed Oxford United’s supporters for inspiring his side to come from behind and claim a much-needed win against AFC Wimbledon last night.
The 3-2 victory ended a six-game losing streak to ease the pressure on the U’s and their manager.
It looked an unlikely result in the first half, when the visitors cancelled out Jake Forster-Caskey’s opener to lead 2-1.
United were staring at a club- record seventh successive league defeat, but the vast majority of fans were vocal in their support.
Wilder felt their intervention in the aftermath of Wimbledon’s second goal was critical in the home side turning the game around.
When asked what his overriding emotion was, the under-fire U's boss said: “Just gratitude to the support that we received.
“Whatever happens with me, whether I walk away from this football club next week, in three months or in five years’ time, that will stick with me because I thought that was a bit special, towards myself and the players.
“We found ourselves 2-1 behind, but the support we had was absolutely phenomenal.
“From that ten minutes before half time, it gave us an opportunity to get in the game and kick on.”
Goals from Deane Smalley and Alfie Potter in the second half won an eventful game.
Wimbledon hit the woodwork three times and United needed a superb late save from goalkeeper Ryan Clarke, on as a substitute, to preserve the points.
Wilder admitted there was still plenty of room for improvement, but felt his side had earned a slice of good fortune for showing courage.
He said: “It could have been 5-4 or 6-5, it wasn’t exactly a defensive masterclass.
“We’re usually pretty organised, but we were all over the place because we wanted to be brave and win the game.
“Maybe we got the reward for making those decisions.”
Forster-Caskey summed up the mood among the players.
He said: “It's massive, it means so much to the fans.
“This is such a big club for League Two. We’re delighted for ourselves, but we’re also thrilled we can let the fans go home happy.
Comments(18)
Open your eyes
says...
1:38pm Wed 3 Oct 12
The 'support' was as a result of those nasty scenes seen between rival factions as opposed to the underlying love of the manager. However, great result and important 3 points. Well Done All!
mandate
says...
4:04pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Beau champ mummy
says...
4:20pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Chish and Fips
says...
5:26pm Wed 3 Oct 12
mandate wrote:Till the next little upset .... :o(
Bury Gillingham on saturday, and some of Wilder's doubters will get behind him again. Are Oxford fans the most loyal in England? After last night, no doubt about it.
Have a good week you lot.
Malkym
says...
5:33pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Chish and Fips wrote:Got to take my medicine - ugh di canio express de-railed last night - and deservedly so - well done The Pox, credit where its due - good fight back to win the game it seems.
mandate wrote: Bury Gillingham on saturday, and some of Wilder's doubters will get behind him again. Are Oxford fans the most loyal in England? After last night, no doubt about it.Till the next little upset .... :o( Have a good week you lot.
Hi Brenda - now then is that a platform to build on or do you see it as just a temporary repreive from a relegation dogfight?
kckidlington
says...
5:49pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Beau champ mummy wrote:Good that will be another negative one gone
5000 fans last night will b one less Saturday after watching that dross last night
Why do go anyway if all you do is moan
pop up pirate
says...
7:02pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Beau champ mummy wrote:Scummer stay off the Oxford site keep yourself to that S**t hole down the 420..
5000 fans last night will b one less Saturday after watching that dross last night
otid.
Chish and Fips
says...
7:26pm Wed 3 Oct 12
OxRoxBox
says...
10:25am Thu 4 Oct 12
OxRoxBox
says...
10:25am Thu 4 Oct 12
Brian Gibbs
says...
12:37pm Thu 4 Oct 12
I have watched the team since Southern League days and judge a manager on team performance and the players he adds to the squad.
In my view Rayes is proberly the worst centre back in the Division, whatever you think of Steve Evans he knew that as soon as he got to Rotherham and told him he was not in his plans.Why do you think we have let so many goals in?
I want the team to be successful but even last year before the injuries, some of the performances were dreadfull,and it looks as if this season it is going to be mid table at best.
yeomanry
says...
1:21pm Thu 4 Oct 12
Stop being so morbid and enjoy some of the football it's mainly but not all poor at the moment and it certainly won't get any better if the fans follow you !!
Chish and Fips
says...
3:03pm Thu 4 Oct 12
OxRoxBox wrote:Next time your passing by drop in - the Thames I mean you'll being do us all a favour then.
Chish and Fips do you run that crappy Chip shop in Lechlade that I have the misfortune in driving past now and again? Go and crawl into the fryer and do us all a favour
OxRoxBox
says...
3:15pm Thu 4 Oct 12
Chish and Fips
says...
4:07pm Thu 4 Oct 12
OxRoxBox wrote:Not really, just lowering my replies to your level pal. OxPoxBox- see name calling is very childish especially when you come the worst off with it.
Oooh touched a nerve have I ? Sorry Chish maybe you should change your name to Chaggot and Fips as I am sure they must be on your menu!
Probably get some cream at the doc's for your box.
Have a good week you lot.
OxRoxBox
says...
4:14pm Thu 4 Oct 12
If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen is the saying . . . . I see you on here trying to wind us all up.
Everyone now knows . . . Chaggot and Fips does not like it back!
Over and out
Chish and Fips
says...
4:29pm Thu 4 Oct 12
OxRoxBox wrote:Hmm.... er ... me thinks its you can't handle the replies - never mind - moving on - over and out ....
Thanks for the advice Chaggot and Fips - I will bear it in mind.
If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen is the saying . . . . I see you on here trying to wind us all up.
Everyone now knows . . . Chaggot and Fips does not like it back!
Over and out
Carterton Sven says...
11:16am Wed 3 Oct 12
How many sets of fans would have shouted their support for their manager and team after going behind to a struggling side, after a run of 6 defeats?
Well we did, and I'm sure it lifted the team.
Still a small group behind the goal who take every opportunity to criticize the team, but the majority of fans showed their class last night.