Matt Bloomfield’s full thoughts after Oxford beat Blackburn

The U’s have won three on the trot after dispatching of Blackburn Rovers in a Championship win at the Kassam as the fight for relegation sparks into life.

Tottenham Hotspur loanee Jamie Donley bagged the only goal of the game, finding the net for the first time in a yellow shirt as United find themselves in fine form.

After Yellows head coach Bloomfield dedicated Wednesday’s win to academy goalkeeper Amelia Aplin who tragically lost her life last Saturday, here is the rest of what he had to say in his post-match interview.

Thoughts on the performance:

I thought we were very good in the first half. Some of the football we played, our pressing, some of the energy we showed, was really good.

Second half, we came out and were a little bit erratic. We gave away a corner early on and I didn’t like our shape for five minutes. Then we got a foothold and probably the biggest disappointment of the night is to not have been two or three ahead and been a bit more comfortable at the end.

Yunus Konak runs with the ball for Oxford United (Image: Oxford United)

It was a bit nervy at the end, and it wasn’t very nice. I didn’t enjoy it at all, that last bit. Because, at 1-0, it only takes a moment. So, I’m disappointed we didn’t put the game to bed, but to come out with a clean sheet and three points is really pleasing.

If we’d conceded, we’d have all been really disappointed and it would’ve been unjust in my opinion. We should’ve been comfortable at the end, we should’ve been two or three ahead.

There’s plenty more for us to chase and that’s what we need to keep doing. It’s been a very nice three games, a really profitable three games for us.

Jamie Donley’s impact on the team:

It was my first day when he injured his shoulder at Milton Keynes, so we’ve had to be patient to get him back.

We know that he’s a good player. He had a great season at Leyton Orient last year and he helps knit us together in that 10. We’re really pleased with him.

Jamie Donley celebrates scoring his first Oxford United goal against Blackburn Rovers (Image: Oxford United)

He just tired a little bit at the end, but for him to get his first goal, he just gives us that little bit of creativity. He’s a very intelligent footballer, so we’re really pleased to have him, and we hope there’s more to come in the next few games.

I think he’s been a really important factor in that amongst other important factors. He can land on the ball, he can find a pass, he can switch play, he can knit the game together.

He’s working really hard out of possession. Him and Will have got a really good understanding because of their history together.

He’s been a really important cog in the wheel at the moment, and I believe there’s more to come from him in the Championship. He’s still a young player, first season at this level, and he’s still getting used to the speed of the game in terms of coming back from his injury.

READ MORE: Matt Bloomfield dedicates Oxford United win to Amelia Aplin

The team staying unchanged for the last three matches:

You always have to consider, but it would’ve taken a big argument to change anything after the level of performance at Preston.

READ MORE: Oxford United beat Blackburn Rovers to extend winning run

I think once we get further down the line and we’ve been working together with the players for a lot longer, it’s easier to change things and still see the same character and performance levels. At the moment, because we’re still relatively new in the building, you risk upsetting that if you change too much.

Oxford United manager Matt Bloomfield gestures on the touchline (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

Having said that, it’s a really quick turnaround to Saturday, so the chances of changes for Saturday is probably a lot higher than what it was from Friday to Wednesday.

READ MORE: Oxford United boss and captain pay tribute to Amelia Aplin

The U’s momentum:

You have to love and cherish it because it can go as quickly as it comes around. If we don’t keep our feet on the ground and stay humble with it, then the game finds a way of kicking you when you least expect it.

READ MORE: Oxford United striker snubbed Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town

Injuries ahead of Charlton:

There are a couple of knocks actually. One of the lads is carrying something that’s a big doubt for the weekend so there might be one enforced change.

But it’s so soon after the game that it’s hard to know so soon where the lads are at.