RUFFELS TO THE RESCUE FOR U’S
KARL Robinson was full of praise as his Oxford United side “outplayed” what he termed the best footballing side in the division in Doncaster Rovers.
A 97th-minute goal from Josh Ruffels rescued a point for Oxford, who were unfortunate to find themselves behind in stoppage time after Alfie May’s 90th-minute goal.
Oxford were the more threatening side throughout, but had to come from behind earlier in the game through Gavin Whyte after Ben Whiteman had put the home side ahead from the penalty spot.
While frustrated to not win the game, Robinson was delighted with the performance.
“It’s a fantastic performance by us,” said Robinson.
“I’ve seen Doncaster in the past three games and these are the best footballing team I’ve seen.
“That was testament to our players. I’m so proud of my players. We’re frustrated. We felt we were by far the better team for the first 20.”
Doncaster were handed the opening goal after Rob Dickie was judged to have brought down Andy Butler, resulting in Whiteman’s successful penalty.
Robinson took issue with the incident and also believed the officials missed a header from Dickie crossing the line in the first half.
He said: “Andy Butler has fouled Rob Dickie and then Rob pulls him down. So Rob fouled him, no arguments about that, but the referee missed the first foul. The lads are also convinced that Rob’s header was over the line.”
Oxford continued to have the better of it, particularly after the break, but it took until the 64th minute to equalise when Whyte was played into space from a short free-kick and slammed under Ian Lawlor. May looked to have won the game for Doncaster in the final minute of normal time when he swept home from John Marquis’ cross.
But Ruffels curled in a superb effort from the edge of the box with the last kick of the game to see Oxford extend their impressive run to only one defeat in 16 matches.
Grant McCann admitted his Doncaster side would not have deserved to beat Oxford, despite the dramatic finish at the Keepmoat. “I knew Oxford were a good team, they’re the best team we’ve played at home this season,” said McCann.
“I won’t criticise my boys because Oxford were really good. The boys tried to do what they do normally but it didn’t come off.
“Credit to them, though, because they stuck to the plan. We ended up getting a goal, whether we deserved it or not – I don’t think we did. But we took the one chance we had so we showed some ruthlessness. Then we just switched off and Ruffels scores. It’s the first time it’s happened to us this season. Maybe we thought the game was won and that was the frustrating thing. I’ve said to the group not to let it dent their confidence.”
DONCASTER ROVERS: Lawlor 7, Cummings 5 (Blair 75, 6), Tom Anderson 6, Butler 6, Andrew 6, Crawford 5 (Rowe 73, 6), Whiteman 6, Kane 9, Coppinger 6 (May 84, 7), Marquis 6, Wilks 6. Subs not used: Marosi, Taylor, Amos, Blaney.
OXFORD UNITED: Eastwood 6, Hanson 6, Nelson 6, Dickie 5, Ruffels 7, Henry 6, Mousinho 6, Brannagan 6, Whyte 7, Mackie 6 (Garbutt 88), Browne. Subs not used: Smith, Raglan, Long, McMahon, Little, Mitchell.