Appleton elated as Barnett signs off
OXFORD manager Michael Appleton was full of praise for Tyrone Barnett for his composure as he secured the three points in the final game of his loan spell.
Barnett struck in the 90th minute, to add to Craig Jones’ own goal midway through the second half, for the win.
Both goals cancelled out Danny Mayor's opener for the visitors and meant Appleton was grinning from ear to ear.
“It seemed to be in the air for an age,” said Appleton.“I’m sure Tyrone thought that as well. He kept his composure and it was a delight for all of us when it hit the back of the net.
“I thought we played well in the first half.
“We passed the ball really well and forced them to change their formation after 20 minutes, which is a complement to us.
“In the second half they scored with their first shot at goal, which was disappointing, but I did say to the players at halftime that we might have to take disappointment before we got our rewards.”
The first half was a dull affair with neither team creating many chances.
Shwan Jalal was in action early on to deny Danny Hylton, before Bury midfielder Andrew Tutte struck the bar from a free-kick on the stroke of half-time.
The game livened up after the opening goal in the 63rd minute. Ryan Lowe cut the ball back for Hallam Hope, who was denied by an excellent save from Ryan Clarke, but Mayor was on hand to pounce.
Oxford were level within seven minutes when the sliding Jones diverted into his own net from Hylton’s pull-back.
Both teams had chances to add a second, but Tutte hit the bar again for Bury and Andrew Whing fired narrowly wide for Oxford.
It was the U’s who got the winner as the clock ticked into the 90th minute. Jim McNulty’s crossfield pass was intercepted by Alfie Potter and he set Wes Burns free in the Bury half.
Burns spotted the unmarked Barnett at the back post and he headed home from six yards to seal the three points.
Bury boss David Flitcroft believes his side gifted Oxford their two goals.
“The first half really concerned me.,” he said. “We couldn’t pass with any purpose and the system didn’t really work.
“When we changed to a back four, we got a welldeserved goal.
“They haven’t had to earn the result.We’ve given them two goals.
“That's disappointing after the planning work.
“We’ve got to keep working, with individuals, with units and to stop goals.You’ve got to have that killer instinct to see a game out. Even at 1-1, we’ve not respected the point.”