Oxford United boss Karl Robinson pinpoints one key area where his side struggled during defeat to Blackpool

Kenny Dougall and Dan Ballard netted the all-important goals as the Seasiders - depleted by injuries to SEVEN key first-team players, extended their unbeaten run to nine games.

Neil Critchley’s side did the damage during a magnificent first 45 minutes, where they had Oxford pinned back in their own half through a combination of constant pressing and clever build-up play.

Dougall edged Pool's noses in front, scrambling home his first goal in tangerine following a partially-cleared corner, before Ballard powered home a header from Sullay Kaikai's corner.

The result, Blackpool’s first ever win at the Kassam Stadium, sees them move into the top 10 for the first time since September, sitting just three points off sixth-placed Charlton Athletic with FOUR games in hand.

Oxford boss Robinson felt set-pieces at both ends made the difference and thought his side did not offer enough of a threat from corners and free-kicks.

“The big disappointment for me is we’ve got beaten on two set-plays," he told the Oxford Mail.

"Let’s not beat around the bush, we’ve probably had two or three of the best chances of the game. It could’ve been different on another day.

"It was two strong teams who stopped each other from doing the positive things.

"Our set-play delivery was abysmal and theirs was outstanding and they scored two goals from it.

"You can’t be that good on Tuesday (when Oxford beat Doncaster Rovers 3-0) and that bad on Saturday and think you’re so far off it.

"There’s not a great deal of change in the league.

"We've got to dust ourselves off and pick the players up for Tuesday night (at Northampton Town).”

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