Bobbly More

The U's share their home, the Kassam Stadium, with rugby union side London Welsh. Like a number of other Football League grounds such as Newport County’s Rodney Parade, the Kassam turf plays host to two different sports for the majority of the year. 

With the Sky Bet League 2 season entering its latter stages, the Pilgrims and their hosts were forced to play on a pitch that had a number of rough, muddy and sandy patches, with the Greens finding it tough to play their usual, fluid style of football. The teams played out a goalless draw with each side regularly trading possession thanks to bobbles and an unpredictable run of the ball.

Neither side seemed comfortable and confident in keeping the ball down and passing to feet, and boss John Sheridan stated his sympathy for both teams having to do battle in such difficult conditions. 

“It was shocking. I felt sorry for both teams,” said John. “I feel sorry for Oxford because they have to play on it every week. 

“It didn’t suit the way we wanted to play. I think we tried to pass it but you could see that, when we tried, it was bobbling just at the last minute. It just totally spoiled the game. 

“I thought we looked strong and we did try and pass it, but it’s very difficult. Once you get in the final third and people are running with the ball, it’s just bouncing away. 

“There was a lot of effort from the players but it was just really difficult.”