Blues put De Montford to Bed
After losing narrowly to Bedford (De Montford University) earlier in the season, it was important for the blues to take all three points from their mid-table rivals. On a windy afternoon at Iffley, both sides struggled to retain possession and the game was notably unspectacular. The Blues dominated the first half but clear cut chances were rarely forth coming. Akkaya was showing impressive vision and was at the heart of the Blues two best chances. His neat free kick found Matt Elliot wide, but when Elliot pulled the ball back across a crowded area, Mick Light's shot was easily charged down, and Akkaya's searching free kick from wide on the right hand side was met by Nat Armstrong, rising well in the penalty box. Armstrong headed over on this occasion but was more fortunate as the first half was drawing to a close. Showing adroit movement, the blues centre forward came deep to gather a loose ball and created enough space to fire a shot at the De Montford goal. It was an impressive strike from over 30 yards out but the goalkeeper was unfortunate to fumble it into the net; the wind and a vicious bounce on the six yard line causing him difficulty. It clearly affected the goalkeeper's confidence as some late pressure from blues corners saw him flapping aimlessly. It was clear that conditions were going to favour De Montford more in the second half and this was reflected by the impressive early pressure which they exerted. The blues defence was resolute, however, defending five dangerous corners within the space of two minutes in the early second half. Paul Talbot was outstanding for the Bedford side at left wing back; skillfull and quick he represented a constant threat from open play and corners alike. Roger Milburn was in no mood to lie down, however, and he made a bold effort at containing the De Montford wide man. De Montford never really threatened Alex Hill's goal from open play and despite having the run of the second half, committing men forward, De Montford gave Akkaya and Tom Battarbee space in midfield which the duo utilised well and Oxford looked dangerous on the break. Matt Elliot's sheer determination proved decisive as he put in two heavy challenges on the De Montford back line before gathering the ball in the penalty area and coolly slotting home. It was Akkaya's presence was the telling factor between the two sides. His passing was incisive and he terrorised De Montford all afternoon; acting as the catalyst for the majority of Oxford's breakaways. Beating two players with some close control Akkaya was hacked down mercilessly. He composed himself and placed a wonderful ball straight onto the head of Nat Armstrong who waited at the back post. The striker made no mistake with the free header and effectively put the game beyond doubt. The away side's frustrations were manifest in a late sending off but it had little impact on the game. Injured Captain, Arran Yentob was delighted with the effort his players put in: "I asked the players to raise that intensity, and they responded magnificently" he commented. Oxford Team: Hill, Light, Kachel, McCourt, Milburn, Griffin, Akkaya, Battarbee, Elliot, Armstrong, Lowe, Subs: Aylott, Walpole, Barkhouse
19th Feb 2004