KARL Robinson insists Oxford United can make play-off history with an unprecedented turnaround against Blackpool.
The U’s are 3-0 down ahead of tomorrow’s semi-final second leg at Bloomfield Road after the Tangerines won comfortably at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday.
Nine teams have lost by three goals or more in the first leg of a Football League play-off since the competition began in 1986/87 and none made it through.
But with 90 minutes of football still to play, U’s head coach Robinson maintains his side are not completely out of the tie.
Read also: Karl Robinson's assessment of Oxford United's defeat to Blackpool
“It’s half-time, that’s all it is,” he said.
“I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
“Football’s an amazing sport, it produces moments that live in the mind forever.
“If we get through it’ll be the greatest achievement that this team has ever done.”
Robinson added: “They had the music on at the end of the game.
“I don’t find many teams putting music on at half-time.”
Robinson’s men trained at the Kassam Stadium yesterday and will be out on the pitches for a final session today, before travelling up to the north west later.
By then, the U's boss should know more about the fitness of Sam Winnall and Cameron Brannagan, who both went off with hamstring injuries on Tuesday.
Whether it is the final game of an energy-sapping 2020/21 season or not, Robinson is ready for one last effort.
Read also: How we rated Oxford United's players in semi-final first leg
He said: “I’m proud of what my players have done so far, it has been one big push, week-in, week-out.
“They’ve looked a bit fatigued at certain stages.
“Blackpool had two players that went off with injuries as well, but it’s a time of the season you get that.
“We’ll dust ourselves off and go again.”
Blackpool have now gone five matches without conceding, while they have scored five times against the U’s without reply in the three games between the sides this season.
Nevertheless, Tangerines boss Neil Critchley is wary of United’s threat and warned his team not to be complacent.
He said: “It’s only half-time, it’s only half the job done.
“Oxford have got enough in their squad and you’ve seen the ability they’ve got.
“They’re the third-highest scorers in the division, so they’re capable of scoring goals.”
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