Oxford united FC
Oxford United defender Helik makes Premier League remark
Matt Bloomfield’s side have enjoyed success from set pieces of late, scoring from four in their last four Championship games.
Helik bagged a goal for himself against Preston North End, latching on the end of a deep free kick into the box from Cameron Brannagan.
Ahead of a tough away trip to in-form Southampton, the Polish centre back hopes for more joy from set plays.
“I think it was our strength last season as well and I’m really glad that we’ve started to score a bit more in the last few games from set plays,” Helik said.
“As you can see in the Premier League now, it’s more and more important to have that threat from set plays.
“I really believe that that can help us in the last few games of the season because the set plays are very important, especially in the games where there is not much in the game, when both teams need to have a result and then the set plays are really massive.”
The U’s face a Saints side this weekend who are in blistering form and pushing for the play-off-placed finish after a bad start to the season.
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Since replacing Will Still, head coach Tonda Eckert has drastically turned things round on the south coast with his side on a 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions, including an FA Cup upset against Premier League outfit Fulham.
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Yellows defender Helik worked under the Saints boss at Barnsley when the German was assistant coach to now-Bristol City head coach Gerhard Struber.
Helik continued: “I’m looking forward to it. I know the gaffer there really well from my time at Barnsley.
“I wish him all the best and I’m glad he’s doing really well. I think he’s a great coach but obviously I will do my best to beat him. So, it’s even more for me, that game, personally.
READ MORE: Inside the Kassam as Will Vaulks delivers emotional evening
“We managed to beat them at home which was a really good feeling, and I hope we’re going to repeat it on Saturday.
“We’ve got young players who are showing really good hunger and the loan players are showing a desire to fight for the team and for this club which is really good because you don’t always get that from loan players.
“In our squad I feel like we’ve got a good mix to perform really well and to keep Oxford in the Championship.”
Oxford United host Blackburn Rovers in a crucial match in the Championship relegation fight at the Kassam.
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The Tottenham Hotspur loanee is the U’s top scorer so far this season with nine goals in all competitions.
His performances and attitude in a struggling Yellows team have quickly seen the 20-year-old become a fan favourite in OX4 since his summer loan move.
Lankshear demonstrated his loyalty in the January transfer window, with journalist Pete O’Rourke reporting that the England Under-21 international had received offers from Championship promotion-chasing sides Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town.
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Despite receiving propositions from higher up the league, the United top scorer chose to see out the season with Matt Bloomfield’s team, showing his commitment to the cause as the U’s continue to fight against relegation from the second tier for the second season running.
READ MORE: Oxford United boss and captain pay tribute to Amelia Aplin
Oxford have won their last three games, with Lankshear bagging a goal in each of those fixtures against West Bromwich Albion and Preston North End.
A 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at the Kassam Stadium on Wednesday evening leaves them in 22nd, level on points with Leicester City in 21st and just one point behind their Lancashire opponents in midweek.
The game was a poignant occasion with fitting tributes for academy goalkeeper Amelia Aplin who died at the age of 15 last weekend.
The 15-year-old died at the weekend after collapsing during on the pitch during a ‘Junior Premier League’ match last Saturday.
Tributes have been paid at Oxford’s training ground over the past week and a minute’s silence was observed before kick-off against Blackburn Rovers.
Flowers, scarves and messages were left draped on the bronze ox statue outside the Kassam Stadium.
The game was then paused for a minute’s applause in the 15th minute as the U’s won 1-0 on the night.
Ahead of the game, head coach Matt Bloomfield said: “It is devastatingly sad news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Amelia’s family.
“Her teammates were here yesterday and her parents, I met them very briefly. We are all heartbroken for Amelia’s family.
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“As a dad, my heart is broken for her parents. It’s been very sombre here as you can understand and we have to make sure that we give Amelia’s friends and family all the love that they need going through this such terrible time.”
The Oxford Mail’s sports reporter Malachi Obrey, covering the game at the Kassam on March 11, described the atmosphere as “very emotional”.
He said: “There was a minute’s silence ahead of the first whistle with Amelia’s teammates and parents in attendance for a sombre moment of reflection.
“Another stoppage as well at the 15-minute mark as the whole ground united in applause – a reminder that there are things bigger than football and great to see all corners of the ground united.”
Oxford City offered its “sincere condolences” to the family of Amelia Aplin and to “our friends” at Oxford United during this “incredibly sad” time.
A statement from Summertown Stars Football Club said: “On behalf of everyone at Summertown Stars — players, coaches, parents and volunteers — we want to pass on our deepest condolences to Amelia’s family, her friends, her teammates and her coaches. This is an unimaginably difficult time for all who knew and loved her.
“We are a grassroots football club, and moments like this remind us that the game we all pour so much into is about so much more than football.
“It’s about community, and right now our community’s thoughts are with Amelia’s family and everyone at Oxford United Women.”
A statement from Fulham FC Women added: “Everyone at Fulham Football Club is shocked and saddened to hear this news. Our thoughts are with Ameila’s family and friends, and all associated with Oxford United FC.”
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