Derby County view on Oxford United and Matt Bloomfield

The U’s were defeated at Derby on Saturday, the Rams securing a 1-0 win thanks to Jaydon Banel’s first-half goal.

Oxford missed some golden opportunities to draw level, Mark Harris spurning a late chance wide whilst Yunus Konak and Myles Peart-Harris both squandered earlier efforts.

“Obviously relieved,” Eustace replied when asked how he felt when Harris missed the chance at the death.

Derby County manager John Eustace applauds supporters after beating Oxford United (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

“They’ve had a couple of chances from our own doing, really. Not being good enough on the ball and making mistakes.

“That was disappointing. You give teams chances, there’s always an opportunity for them. Fortunately, they’ve never taken it.

Oxford United’s Cameron Brannagan plays the ball (Image: Jason Dawson)

“I think when you look at the team that [Oxford] have put out at the moment, obviously a lot of draws, only two defeats in ten.

“I think it is always very difficult to play against and in those kind of games you need that bit of magic.

Oxford United manager Matt Bloomfield (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

The former Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City boss also praised the work of the U’s boss since his January arrival.

“I think over the course of the time he’s been here, being at Oxford, the team have really grew and been very difficult to play against. They’ve had some great results. I think he’s the right man to keep them up for sure.

“I wish him all the best.”