Wilder hails Oxford United fans after ending losing streak

9:30am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in Sport Photograph of the Author By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

Alfie Potter celebrates after grabbing United’s winner against AFC Wimbledon to end a run of six defeats Alfie Potter celebrates after grabbing United’s winner against AFC Wimbledon to end a run of six defeats

CHRIS Wilder hailed Oxford United’s supporters for inspiring his side to come from behind and claim a much-needed win against AFC Wimbledon last night.

The 3-2 victory ended a six-game losing streak to ease the pressure on the U’s and their manager.

It looked an unlikely result in the first half, when the visitors cancelled out Jake Forster-Caskey’s opener to lead 2-1.

United were staring at a club- record seventh successive league defeat, but the vast majority of fans were vocal in their support.

Wilder felt their intervention in the aftermath of Wimbledon’s second goal was critical in the home side turning the game around.

When asked what his overriding emotion was, the under-fire U's boss said: “Just gratitude to the support that we received.

“Whatever happens with me, whether I walk away from this football club next week, in three months or in five years’ time, that will stick with me because I thought that was a bit special, towards myself and the players.

“We found ourselves 2-1 behind, but the support we had was absolutely phenomenal.

“From that ten minutes before half time, it gave us an opportunity to get in the game and kick on.”

Goals from Deane Smalley and Alfie Potter in the second half won an eventful game.

Wimbledon hit the woodwork three times and United needed a superb late save from goalkeeper Ryan Clarke, on as a substitute, to preserve the points.

Wilder admitted there was still plenty of room for improvement, but felt his side had earned a slice of good fortune for showing courage.

He said: “It could have been 5-4 or 6-5, it wasn’t exactly a defensive masterclass.

“We’re usually pretty organised, but we were all over the place because we wanted to be brave and win the game.

“Maybe we got the reward for making those decisions.”

Forster-Caskey summed up the mood among the players.

He said: “It's massive, it means so much to the fans.

“This is such a big club for League Two. We’re delighted for ourselves, but we’re also thrilled we can let the fans go home happy.

Comments(18)

Carterton Sven says...
11:16am Wed 3 Oct 12

I thought our fans showed their class last night when we went 2-1 down.
How many sets of fans would have shouted their support for their manager and team after going behind to a struggling side, after a run of 6 defeats?
Well we did, and I'm sure it lifted the team.
Still a small group behind the goal who take every opportunity to criticize the team, but the majority of fans showed their class last night.

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Open your eyes says...
1:38pm Wed 3 Oct 12

The fans last night deserve massive applause and it is nice to see the manager acknowledge this.

The 'support' was as a result of those nasty scenes seen between rival factions as opposed to the underlying love of the manager. However, great result and important 3 points. Well Done All!

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mandate says...
4:04pm Wed 3 Oct 12

Bury Gillingham on saturday, and some of Wilder's doubters will get behind him again. Are Oxford fans the most loyal in England? After last night, no doubt about it.

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Beau champ mummy says...
4:20pm Wed 3 Oct 12

5000 fans last night will b one less Saturday after watching that dross last night

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Chish and Fips says...
5:26pm Wed 3 Oct 12

mandate wrote:
Bury Gillingham on saturday, and some of Wilder's doubters will get behind him again. Are Oxford fans the most loyal in England? After last night, no doubt about it.
Till the next little upset .... :o(

Have a good week you lot.

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Malkym says...
5:33pm Wed 3 Oct 12

Chish and Fips wrote:
mandate wrote: Bury Gillingham on saturday, and some of Wilder's doubters will get behind him again. Are Oxford fans the most loyal in England? After last night, no doubt about it.
Till the next little upset .... :o( Have a good week you lot.
Got to take my medicine - ugh di canio express de-railed last night - and deservedly so - well done The Pox, credit where its due - good fight back to win the game it seems.

Hi Brenda - now then is that a platform to build on or do you see it as just a temporary repreive from a relegation dogfight?

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kckidlington says...
5:49pm Wed 3 Oct 12

Beau champ mummy wrote:
5000 fans last night will b one less Saturday after watching that dross last night
Good that will be another negative one gone

Why do go anyway if all you do is moan

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pop up pirate says...
7:02pm Wed 3 Oct 12

Beau champ mummy wrote:
5000 fans last night will b one less Saturday after watching that dross last night
Scummer stay off the Oxford site keep yourself to that S**t hole down the 420..

otid.

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Chish and Fips says...
7:26pm Wed 3 Oct 12

I just laugh when people waste their time voting on the Scores - surely got something more constructive to add than trying to falsify the votes .

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OxRoxBox says...
10:25am Thu 4 Oct 12

Chish and Fips do you run that crappy Chip shop in Lechlade that I have the misfortune in driving past now and again? Go and crawl into the fryer and do us all a favour

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OxRoxBox says...
10:25am Thu 4 Oct 12

Chish and Fips do you run that crappy Chip shop in Lechlade that I have the misfortune in driving past now and again? Go and crawl into the fryer and do us all a favour

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Brian Gibbs says...
12:37pm Thu 4 Oct 12

Just because some of us think CW is not the manager to take the club forward does not mean that we support the team any less

I have watched the team since Southern League days and judge a manager on team performance and the players he adds to the squad.

In my view Rayes is proberly the worst centre back in the Division, whatever you think of Steve Evans he knew that as soon as he got to Rotherham and told him he was not in his plans.Why do you think we have let so many goals in?

I want the team to be successful but even last year before the injuries, some of the performances were dreadfull,and it looks as if this season it is going to be mid table at best.

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yeomanry says...
1:21pm Thu 4 Oct 12

Beau champ mummy,what do you want for your money? Alright it was frantic, there was some sloppy play by both teams BUT there were 5 well taken goals, saves by both goalies, woodwork hit, highs and lows and a final result in our favour. This beat quite a lot of last seasons games which we were bored to death with and this like it or not is with key players missing.
Stop being so morbid and enjoy some of the football it's mainly but not all poor at the moment and it certainly won't get any better if the fans follow you !!

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Chish and Fips says...
3:03pm Thu 4 Oct 12

OxRoxBox wrote:
Chish and Fips do you run that crappy Chip shop in Lechlade that I have the misfortune in driving past now and again? Go and crawl into the fryer and do us all a favour
Next time your passing by drop in - the Thames I mean you'll being do us all a favour then.

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OxRoxBox says...
3:15pm Thu 4 Oct 12

Oooh touched a nerve have I ? Sorry Chish maybe you should change your name to Chaggot and Fips as I am sure they must be on your menu!

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Chish and Fips says...
4:07pm Thu 4 Oct 12

OxRoxBox wrote:
Oooh touched a nerve have I ? Sorry Chish maybe you should change your name to Chaggot and Fips as I am sure they must be on your menu!
Not really, just lowering my replies to your level pal. OxPoxBox- see name calling is very childish especially when you come the worst off with it.
Probably get some cream at the doc's for your box.

Have a good week you lot.

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OxRoxBox says...
4:14pm Thu 4 Oct 12

Thanks for the advice Chaggot and Fips - I will bear it in mind.

If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen is the saying . . . . I see you on here trying to wind us all up.

Everyone now knows . . . Chaggot and Fips does not like it back!

Over and out

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Chish and Fips says...
4:29pm Thu 4 Oct 12

OxRoxBox wrote:
Thanks for the advice Chaggot and Fips - I will bear it in mind.

If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen is the saying . . . . I see you on here trying to wind us all up.

Everyone now knows . . . Chaggot and Fips does not like it back!

Over and out
Hmm.... er ... me thinks its you can't handle the replies - never mind - moving on - over and out ....

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