March 20, 2021: Oxford United 0, Blackpool 2

BLACKPOOL’S last visit to Oxford United brought the hosts back down to earth with a bump.

There was plenty of good feeling around the U’s, thanks to a midweek 3-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers and news of the ongoing ownership changes breaking the day before.

Despite winning only two of their previous eight matches, United were eighth in Sky Bet League One, two points shy of the play-offs.

Read also: Gary Bloom explains the mentality Oxford United must have tonight

Blackpool, though, were unbeaten in their last eight and would go above the U’s with a two-goal victory, even with two games in hand.

That was how it panned out, as two first-half corners settled it.

First, Kenny Dougall lifted the ball over Jack Stevens after United failed to clear, before Dan Ballard headed home Sullay Kaikai’s centre in the 42nd minute.

Mark Sykes fired United’s best chance wide on the hour mark, as a slow start and failure to be clinical cost them – two familiar themes at that point of the season.

The U’s will hope Blackpool do not burst the bubble for a second time.