Oxford United manager Des Buckingham says that his team will not sit back at Peterborough United and try to defend their way to the League One play-off final at Wembley.
Oxford has a slim 1-0 lead following Saturday’s semi-final first leg at the Kassam Stadium. Last season, Oxford drew 0-0 with Posh in a League One game, but this was under a different manager and in difficult circumstances due to relegation.
Posh will host the second leg tonight (8pm kickoff).
Buckingham told the Oxford Mail that it would be unrealistic to attempt such a feat. “I have never done it, and I do not want to be that type of coach. We also have players who, I’m sure, would not want to do that, and the fans would definitely not want us to do it.
“We have a manner we want to play, and we will attempt it when we get to their location. When you simply defend against a very talented side like Peterborough and the players they have, it’s only a matter of time before you give them a half-chance, which is sometimes all they require.
“We will treat them with the respect they deserve, but we will also make every effort to get our game plan right. I’ve talked a lot about the players understanding what we do and how to execute it, but we just need to perform on the night. If we stick to what we can control, we’ll place ourselves in the best position.
“These are the games that you want to participate in. You’ve worked extremely hard, and the players have played 60 or so games to reach this position. After being here, we’re all just looking forward to a great game.”
If the aggregate scores are tied at the end of 90 minutes, extra time and penalties can be used. The victors will face Bolton Wanderers at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 18 (4.15pm kickoff). Despite losing 3-2 at home on Tuesday night, the Trotters won 5-4 on aggregate in their semi-final against Barnsley.
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