League One: Des Buckingham Feels Heavy Schedule Caught Up With Oxford United

Oxford boss Des Buckingham felt the heavy schedule of three games in six days took its toll on his team as they were held 1-1 by Stevenage at the Kassam Stadium. (More Football News)

It means it is effectively no l🐟onger in Oxford’s hands to reach the League One play-offs because Lincoln are three points behind them with a game in hand aᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚnd a superior goal difference.

Buckingha👍m felt the decision not to award the U’s a penalt🔯y when Marcus Browne appeared to have been fouled by keeper Craig MacGillivray in the first half was crucial.

They had to come from behind as Stevenage went in front through a Sam Long own goal in the 32nd minute, Cameron Brannagan replying from the penalty spot on 58 minutes when Carl Piergianni fouled Ruben Ro💃drigues – though that appeared to have been outside the box.

Buckingham said: “To play three games in six d꧋ays is a big ask.

“We 𒀰had 𓆉26 shots but couldn’t get that second goal we needed.

“There was a clear penalty not given in the first half, and for us that’s the second game in a row that one hasn’t been given when it sho𒐪uld have been. It was a huge moment in the game, and very frustrating.

“The referee told me he couldn’t see it, but the linesman was only 15 yards awa❀y and had a clear view.

“I’m delighted with the performance but ultimately we’ve got just the four points from these three home games, now we need to make sure we prepare 🃏right and get three in the last one at Exeter.

“When we looked to rearrange the Lincoln game we chose this w🌸eek because it was a free week, then Sky told us they wanted to bring this Stevenage one forward and show it on the Friday night which meant three games in six days.

“There was nothing we could do about it, but had we known they were going to do that, we would have played the💝 Lincoln game another week.

“It’s going to be a tight finish – I wouldn’t rule out Blackpool either, and they’💧ve got to play Barnsley.”

Stevenage had l𒆙ost manager Steve Evans in the week, with Evans heading north 📖to become Rotherham boss.

Caretaker boss Alex Revell said: “Steve always had two clubs v♔ery much in his 🙈heart – this one and Rotherham. Believe me, making the decision was probably the hardest thing he’s had to do, he said.

“I wanted to take today ✱and make the players ready. I really enjoyed it because they gave everything.

“I’m very proud of what the lads did ﷽tonight.

“We had a great&nbꦰsp;day yesterday in terms of training&nb😼sp;and getting ready and trying to get a few bits into them.

“They came to a r🐭eally tough place and worked so hard fo꧂r each other.

“In spells we created some half-chances, probably&nb🍷sp;not enough, but it was about showing our togetherness as a club and our spirit.

“I think we showed why we have caused teams problems this ꩵseason, especially with our energy and our workrate.

“The first penalty shout🙈 against&ꦐnbsp;us was a penalty and should have been given so we got away with that.

“But it doesn’t mean that something that started outside the box should be a penalty. Two 🍷wrongs don’t make a right.”