Advantage to U’s, Trotters in play-offs
OXFORD United boss Des Buckingham believes their narrow 1-0 lead is a “good advantage” to take to London Road for the second leg of their League One play-off against Peterborough United.
U’s captain Elliott Moore headed the only goal of the first leg eight minutes into the second half, nodding in from three yards after Cameron Brannagan headed Josh Murphy’s corner back from beyond the far post.
Buckingham, who injured his left leg jumping to celebrate the goal, said: “It’s only a slim advantage but I’m happy with what I’ve seen tonight.
“The second half, we did a few things we need to tidy up on as we head for the second leg.
“Overall, it’s a good advantage to take to theirs because they’re a very good team.
“Wednesday will be very tough for us but if we take in the energy levels and the understanding of what we’re trying to do into that game in the way I’ve seen tonight, I’ll be very happy.”
Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson says he feels his fans can help to produce a special night for the second leg on Wednesday.
Ferguson said: “It was tight. I don’t think it was ever going to be decided tonight, we take it to Wednesday. I think it’ll be an exciting game, we’ll have a great atmosphere at home and, hopefully, we can get the job done.”
Meanwhile, Bolton Wanderers head coach Ian Evatt said his side deserved their two-goal lead as they beat Barnsley 3-1 at Oakwell in their League One play-off semifinal, first leg.
A Dion Charles double left the visitors looking comfortable at 2-0 before Barnsley substitute Sam Cosgrove halved the deficit with 15 to play.
But Randell Williams scored directly from a corner in stoppage time to give Wanderers a healthy lead to defend in tomorrow night’s home second leg.
“I think for 75 minutes it was a very, very good, controlled away display,” said former Derby County defender Evatt.
“We managed the environment really well.
“We knew they’d come after us aggressively and probably had to play over the press a little more than we usually do.
“I thought we had complete control, we deserved the two-goal lead and then had a lapse in concentration because they’re consistently asking you questions defensively. My two centre-halves go for the same ball and leave a spare man in the box on a transition.
“It changed the momentum and the environment a little bit and we had to weather a little bit of a storm and dig in. Nathan (Baxter) has made some big saves.
“But I was really pleased with the way we settled after that initial probably five to six minutes after the goal.
“I’m delighted that we managed to get the third because overall I thought we deserved that two-goal lead.”
Interim Barnsley head coach Martin Devaney said: “It’s hard to take. I thought when Sam scored, that momentum, we had it. We had two good chances with Adam Phillips.
“It’s hard to take. I think they are three sloppy goals but the lads showed some really good stuff at times.”