Oxford United boss’ ‘responsibility’ message to players before Watford

The U’s conceded an 87th-minute equaliser last time out against Portsmouth minutes after Will Lankshear thought he had bagged the winner.

The 1-1 draw at Fratton Park came three games after a late penalty saw Oxford forfeit the win at home to Charlton Athletic, with strong performances unfortunately ending without the deserved points in recent fixtures.

“They’ve both come from the second phase of a set-piece,” Bloomfield said remembering the late goals conceded against Pompey and the Addicks.

Oxford United boss Matt Bloomfield shakes hands with Yunus Konak (Image: Jason Dawson)

“So, we have to make sure that we organise ourselves in the messy moments, the chaos of a second phase where you go from an organised part to a bit that’s unorganised where the next delivery is coming in.

“We have to make sure we organise ourselves quickly and take responsibility for men. We’ve spoken about that. But at the same time, you don’t want to over-egg it and get it into people’s minds.

“It’s really important that we’re prepared against that and we do the work that’s necessary to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Oxford United concede a late penalty against Charlton Athletic (Image: Jason Dawson)

“I genuinely feel like we could have a few more points on our total, but we haven’t, so we are where we are.”

The U’s face Watford on Saturday, a side who many consider to be coasting to the finish line as they sit 10th in the Championship and nine points from the play-off spots.

Like the Yellows, the Hornets are also into the reign of their second manager of the campaign in Ed Still, brother of former Southampton boss Will Still.

“A very good technical team, athletically very gifted, real good players in forward areas who offer a real threat,” the U’s boss continued.

Oxford United celebrate the early opening goal against Watford (Image: Mike Allen)

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“We’re going to have to make sure we’re organised against that and that we know that they carry those threats.

“We have to make sure we’re prepared for the game, which we will be, and we have to try and impose ourselves. I think if you look at the Hull City game in particular, we knew it.

“Again, we were up against a really good team, but we were able to impose ourselves. I think it’s about getting the balance correct between preparing for your position, but also we want to be us and we’re proud to be us and we want to make sure that we give a show of our best selves.”