City 0-2 Halifax

[clive]

Well that was all a little disappointing in front of the TV cameras.

City showed why they are bottom of the table today. Lots of pretty passing and possession, a few half chances but nothing clear cut, and some awful defending. Gifting away two goals within a minute isn't a recipe to stay in this division. With both goals there was a lack of responsibility or being decisive to stop the danger.

I thought O'Connell had a dreadful game and it is difficult to see how he could be selected ahead of Roddy, or how he stayed on the field when Burley went off. Phillips and Burley don't seem to have much understanding together in the centre of defence.

Despite being partly to blame for both goals, Brzozowski made a string of top saves to keep the score down.

I don't think Greenslade is ready yet for this level, which puts to much burden on Josh Parker.

Kirby's injury didn't look good, which is a worry for the rest of the season as I thought he was having a decent game until he had to go off. Ashby also had a good game, apart from perhaps his free-kicks and corners. Moore and LHE also did well.

Anyway, here is the detailed report for anyone interested
fatbearssportingdiaries.blogspot.com/2024/03/oxford-city-fc-0-2-fc-halifax-town-att.html

[ChrisB]

Thanks Clive as always for the balanced and informative report. Though I've not seen them live this season (or for several seasons for that matter!) it does sound as though the game contained all that was good and all that was poor about this campaign. I've noticed particularly that they seem to be slow starters: scoring 6 and conceding 20 goals in the first twenty minutes of matches.

It's beginning to look like York may be heading down, so, if that's the case, maybe City will return South. I wonder (already) what next season will bring. Hopefully they'll be able to keep the nucleus of this side and not feel downhearted about this season, and that many of the new supporters will stick behind the club and maintain the improved attendances.