“I was expecting volatility, it was nice to get a goal” the view from Oxford United after 2-2 draw with Rovers

Matty Taylor haunted his former club with a goal on Sunday. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)Matty Taylor haunted his former club with a goal on Sunday. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
Matty Taylor haunted his former club with a goal on Sunday. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Oxford United striker Matty Taylor says it was nice to score a goal after he expected abuse prior to the match.

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The 31-year-old opened the scoring in the 2-2 draw at the Kassam Stadium, scoring his first goal against his former club, before Sam Finley levelled up proceedings.

Marcus McGuane restored Oxford’s lead early in the second-half but a penalty from Antony Evans three minutes from time meant the two will now play in a replay on November 16.

Before a ball had been kicked on Sunday, Taylor opened up on his time at the Memorial Stadium and stated how abuse from a section of Gas fans drives him on to succeed.

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“I was expecting a bit of volatility, so it was nice to get a goal,” he said to theOxford Mail.

“I’ve said before I enjoyed my time there immensely and made friends for life, that’s tarnished with a few fans.

Matt Skyes found the former Robins front-man with a ball across goal and Taylor tapped home from close range.

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In his celebration, Taylor cupped his ears, a gesture which is meant to signify ‘I can’t hear you now’ or they want to block out any abuse.

“There’s a few that step over the line with a few chants and that spurs me on to make sure I score.”

“That’s kind of for the people who step over the line with their remarks.

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“I’ve got massive respect for the real fans, but there are obviously some idiots that say stupid things and it’s going to rile you up."

Karl Robinson believes the referee Paul Howard managed the game well. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)Karl Robinson believes the referee Paul Howard managed the game well. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
Karl Robinson believes the referee Paul Howard managed the game well. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There was a difference in opinions when it came to the referee from the two managers with one happy and the other berating a decision.

Joey Barton was adamant that Taylor should have been sent off for a clash with defender Alfie Kilgour. He didn’t come through unscathed and did receive a yellow card for his challenge, but remained on the pitch.

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Taylor’s manager Karl Robinson, also speaking to the Oxford Mail, believed Paul Howard had a good hold of the game.

“I thought it was the best refereeing performance I’ve seen here, he said.

“He let it go for Oxford, he let it go for Bristol, he stayed consistent in his decision-making.

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“To only book two or three players for petulance, I thought that was a good old-fashioned FA Cup tie with very good refereeing.”

From a fans point of view, it was the changes that saw the game slip from the grasp of Oxford United. Supporter John Aubrey tweeted his side saying: “Substitutions killed the momentum.”

Allowed to make five substitutions, Oxford made a triple sub in the 71st minute before adding another eight minutes later as Jamie Hanson replaced goalscorer Marcus McGuane.

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Rovers meanwhile waited until the 82nd minute to complete their changes as Welsh duo Aaron Collins and Sion Spence were introduced in the 82nd minute with the pair making the desired effect.

The statistics slightly favoured Oxford, given they created more opportunities and had more possession, but it was Rovers who tested the goalkeeper more with eight of their 11 shots on target.

This didn’t stop another U’s fan Bethany Dunbabin from stating her frustration though, in a tweet she said: “It is frustrating watching this game with Oxford United hitting the post at least five times now from great shots. God only knows how the players are feeling!”

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