Sinclair at the double to boost drop fight
OXFORD United boss Karl Robinson praised his players for taking on board their half-time instructions as they saw off Scunthorpe United to pull five points clear of the relegation places.
On-loan Watford striker Jerome Sinclair scored two goals in a game for the first time in his career as he headed home in the 65th and 80th minutes, before sub George Thomas pulled one back in stoppage time.
Robinson said: “Our big thing in the dressing room at half-time – and we talked for a lot longer than we normally do – was about engaging them higher up the park.
“In the first half we played too many balls into the midfield. They played with three different systems and at times they almost played with no striker.
“Jerome’s not bad in the air for someone who’s not that tall – and he was a massive threat for us.
“Jerome has worked so hard this week on staying in the middle of the goal for when the crosses come in.”
Sinclair headed in a left-wing cross from Mark Sykes in the 65th minute.
And he escaped his marker again to head home John Mousinho’s classy cross after 80 minutes.
Substitute Thomas pulled one back for the visitors in stoppage time, turning in Tom Pearce’s centre.
Scunthorpe were quickly out of the blocks with Funso Ojo having a low shot saved in the opening minute.
But that was as good as it got in a drab first half, the home side’s best opportunity squandered by a heavy touch from Sykes when Sinclair played him through.
After the break Olufela Olomola sent an 18-yard drive fizzing past the far post.
But Oxford had more attacking zip when Gavin Whyte came off the bench – and Sinclair took full advantage. Iron manager Stuart McCall was upset that his defence twice left Sinclair free to head in.
He said: “I’m frustrated, angry and disappointed. Twice we lost the man. The second one was a great ball in, but we shouldn’t be losing the man like that.
“We needed to do more to win the game. It’s little errors and tiny details that are costing us points.
“We’ve got 11 games left and we need to find some consistency to win five of them.”