Oxford United: Southend United manager Paul Sturrock has slated the three dismisals at the Kassam Stadium despite his teams's 1-0 win over Oxford United in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Sturrock: 'The sendings-off spoiled the game' The Shrimpers reached the southern section semi-finals of the competition but Oxford goalkeeper Wayne Brown was dismissed on his home debut after just 12 minutes for handling outside his penalty area, from which Ryan Hall found the net, again, from the resulting free-kick. And nine minutes into the second half U's striker Tom Craddock, who had only just come on as a substitute, and Southend midfielder Anthony Grant were sent off for 'violent behaviour', as players reacted to a very poor challenge by Simon Heslop on Kane Ferdinand. Sturrock told the PA: "The sendings-off spoiled the game. With the second one both players were stupid, raising fists to each other. They weren't even involved in the tackle. As soon as Oxford were down to nine men we kept playing square balls at the back. We were far too negative and it didn't make for a very enjoyable spectacle for the fans. I'm very frustrated about the game and with our mentality. As soon as we showed any kind of positive approach we caused them problems. But the players just sauntered along. We should have been a lot more clinical."
Oxford boss as reported below kept quiet after the final whistle, maybe he had seen the following video (though you have to be a Shrimperzone member to catch it): www.shrimperzone.com
Many thanks to Onion Bag Dave for his good work, and any oans from him over copyright can be directed to our editor who says: "As I have to put up with him sitting in front of me at the Hall it's the least he can do, cheers mate!" The S24 Report: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk Who is the best Shrimpers boss of the last 30 years?: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk Like what you're reading, join the editorial team at S24: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
Would love to bring you a quote from U's usually talkative boss Chris Wilder, but he decided not to speak to the media after Tuesday evening's game and stopped his players from doing interviews as well!
Source: FOOTYMAD
