Oxford united FC
Charlton Athletic boss fuming over Oxford United penalty
Will Lankshear went down in the box after a nudge from Kayne Ramsay, Cameron Brannagan slotting the spot kick away 675 days after he netted the U’s last penalty in May 2024.
Oxford failed to hang onto the lead though, Ciaron Brown pulling on the shirt of Lloyd Jones to give Charlton a late lifeline which Charlie Kelman scored in the 93rd minute.
Addicks boss Jones was not happy with both the penalty decision against his side and his team’s performance.
“Am I happy with the level of performance? Absolutely not, especially second half,” the Welshman declared.
“They didn’t stick to the game plan, didn’t listen to a thing I said at half time, and that’s why we came unstuck and conceded.
“I mean, the penalty, I’ve got to choose my words very carefully, an extremely poor decision.
“Saying that, we showed character, we threatened and we probably looked most likely to have won it in the end.
“[Referees] get swayed by crowds and emotion and don’t just make clear decisions.
“You can’t step outside your technical area because they’re right on you and they’ll give bookings and stuff. It’s the poorest of decisions.”
There were not many arguments about the penalty that Brown conceded for Oxford, with Jones saying: “Only a fool wouldn’t have given it.”
Away from refereeing decisions, the Charlton manager was not happy with his team’s display at the Kassam.
“[The players] just didn’t listen at half time.
READ MORE: Matt Bloomfield dedicates Oxford United win to Amelia Aplin
“We played into [Oxford’s] hands. They sit off and want you to play easy, basic, slow tempo football and then they’ll break on you, and that’s what they’ve done.
“We said to [the players], their high line, turn them, get on balls in behind and make them defend, composed in the box, and you’ll get joy.
“We did that for the last 15 minutes and got joy [but] we didn’t do it for 75 and that’s why we were 1-0 behind, as well as the poor decision.”
READ MORE: Matt Bloomfield disappointed as Oxford United held to draw
READ MORE: Oxford United 1-1 Charlton Athletic: Late heartbreak for U’s
The point takes Charlton to 48 points in the Championship and nine above the relegation where the U’s currently lie.
After looking like they might be in the thick of the fight for survival, the Addicks look set to secure second-tier status this season after achieving promotion via the play-offs in the previous campaign.
Meanwhile, Matt Bloomfield’s men sit 22nd in the division, one point from safety with West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth both a single points above them.
Following a turbulent summer at Oxford United, which has included a change of manager and a transfer embargo, the club’s CEO has resigned.
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The summer-long saga has felt more like a decade and surely head coach Aaron Ramsey has felt the same after enduring the ritual of being asked about Mills’ status on a weekly basis.
After missing the U’s first pre-season friendly, the winger scored in the second, a 2-1 win over Barnet, and featured in the following couple.
He then missed out in the first competitive game of the season, a 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Leyton Orient, before a move to PNE was confirmed by Ramsey ahead of the League One opening day, but not until January.
Mills messaged his boss requesting not to play in the 2-2 opening day home draw with MK Dons before coming off the bench to assist Gatlin O’Donkor in the Yellows’ 2-1 win at Stevenage.
That would prove to be the 22-year-old’s final display in a United shirt, the young attacker showing little enthusiasm upon Oxford taking the lead in Hertfordshire, hinting that his head had certainly been turned.
“I’ve known about it all summer and from the start I’ve wanted to be here, wanted to get going as a Preston player and now it is official.”
Mills’ first words as a Lilywhites player say it all.
Considering the former Everton man has never scored more than three goals in a senior season, my personal opinion was that a January move would be ideal for all parties.
In an ideal world, Oxford would keep a star player for six months, Mills could get his numbers up as a standout player in a weaker league and PNE would get an in-form winger through the doors in the new year.
READ MORE: Ramsey says Mills departure ‘best solution’ for Oxford United
READ MORE: Ex-Oxford United goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge joins Tottenham Hotspur
But patience is a rare virtue in football these days and off goes the winger to Lancashire.
So, what now for United?
The U’s are without a recognised right-sided midfielder – young Aidan Elliott-Wheeler could be considered – and remain under a temporary transfer embargo.
Aidomo Emakhu has played on the right so far this season and has offered some outlet but he does look much more comfortable in his more natural position on the right.
Then there is 17-year-old Mo Missanga, a youngster who helped change the tide on the opening day against MK Dons and who has excited supporters and the U’s boss alike.
Ramsey has hinted that the Yellows are searching for solutions, and it is understood that a loan transfer where Oxford do not pay any share of the player’s wages could be a way of bringing a player in before Tuesday’s deadline.
Given the circumstances, it will be difficult to replace the ability of Mills but there is certainly a sense of relief that this saga is over.
Now it is time to focus on the football and maintain a strong league position heading into January.
Oxford United have signed Wales international Kai Andrews on loan from Premier League side Coventry City until January.
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