SONNY IS SHINING TO SHADE U’S
PLYMOUTH’S march towards the play-offs continued after bagging their fifth straight win against managerless Oxford – and now they can head for sunnier climes in style.
Sonny Bradley’s header on the stroke of half-time was enough to earn The Green Army all three points and jump up to seventh, one point off the play-offs.
The team will be jetting off to Marbella on Monday for some warm-weather training, and boss Derek Adams said: “We had to grind it out at the end but we should’ve been two or three up .
“It was a great corner from Graham Carey for Sonny. We knew we were going to have a physical advantage over Oxford from corners, and it was a great header.
“We didn’t really allow them to have any clear-cut chances, and we should have probably gone further ahead. We’re delighted with the win.
“We’re looking forward to Marbella, a bit of sun and some good training in warm conditions, and we look forward to Bradford next week.”
The game started slowly but after 20 minutes it suddenly sparked into life, with Plymouth keeper Remi Matthews palming away a fierce James Henry effort.
Moments later, Carey almost broke the deadlock but his chipped effort sailed wide.
The Green Army were then given a huge let off, after Alex Mowatt blazed over from six yards as Oxford grew into the game.
Isaac Buckley-Ricketts sent a free header wide from a Joe Rothwell cross and as the half petered out, Plymouth took the lead.
Ruben Lameiras forced a corner, and from the resulting set-piece Bradley rose highest at the back post to head Carey’s cross home.
After the restart, Jon Obika, Ricardinho and Mowatt registered tame efforts within the first five minutes as the U’s looked to claw themselves level.
As they pressed, Ricardinho flashed a halfvolley wide from the edge of the box. But, just after the hour mark, they were almost two down. Carey latched on to a through ball and fed Ryan Taylor, who smashed the bar from 15 yards when he really should have scored.
Minutes later, Simon Eastwood denied another Taylor shot, and Jamie Ness’ rebound was cleared off the line by Todd Kane. Oxford continued to press, Obika, Malachi Napa and Ryan Ledson all had late efforts blocked. “It’s hugely disappointing, I thought we dominated both halves. We gave them a few chances, but we were pretty much camped in their half for the game,” said caretaker manager Derek Fazackerley. “I’m pleased with the performance, we had good composure, we just couldn’t find a way through. I haven’t got too many complaints, apart from the result.”