Oxford United head for Blackpool on Saturday looking to pick up three points and start climbing the table.
A draw at home to leaders Hull last weekend saw plenty of encouraging signs and progress in the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday has boss Karl Robinson asking his side to keep building as we approach the busy Christmas period.
“We respect the opposition and know how difficult the weekend will be” he told iFollow today. “We have had Wigan away, Portsmouth away, Ipswich and Hull at home, now Blackpool away; that’s five teams people were tipping to be right up there. We always knew this was a difficult period of the season but we have looked more like our old selves of late and a bit more solid.
“OK, the wins haven’t been there yet but the performances have and we have reduced the opportunities that other teams have in front of our goal.
“Blackpool had troubled times but they are heading in the right direction and they play a different style which I think is very evident when you watch them. They are good people there although I don’t really talk too much about the opposition in the build up to games. I’d rather talk about our club and our team.
“On Tuesday we gave a few players a chance to push for a starting place. Some did that some didn’t, but the young players did really well and that is one of the things the competition is for. We want to go as far as we can but we are also able to give players a chance and that was pleasing: last year Jack Stevens was our goalkeeper in that competition and now he is taking his opportunity in the league.
“I thought the game on Tuesday showed the importance of fans too because they lifted us and we got stronger. Blackpool away would be a game a lot of fans would usually look forward to. Last time we were there it was sunny and we played really well and got nothing out of the game. I’m sure the weather will be very different this time and we have to make sure the result is too.”
See the full interview in iFollow where Rob Atkinson joins the fun in the Preview Show