Lilley strike earns point
  Derek Lilley earned Oxford a point on Monday with his first goal for the club as the U's could only
  manage a 1-1 draw against Blackpool.
  A lacklustre game from the first whistle saw both sides with little ambition.
  Oxford looked to be the brighter team early on as they had a shot by youngster Simon
  Weatherstone drift wide of the upright.
  Blackpool were not without chances themselves as they began to impress themselves on the
  game as the minutes ticked by.
  Junior Bent forced a save from Paul Lundin in the U's goal and Brett Ormerod put one over the
  crossbar.
  The game was thrown wide open shortly after the half hour when a usually solid Oxford defence
  had a moment of weakness. Clarke Carlisle was allowed to rise and head the ball into Lundin's
  net almost unchallenged after John Hills had a swung in a cross form a short corner.
  The second half was a closer affair as Oxford looked to gain something from the game.
  Blackpool had an early effort from Junior Bent who lobbed Lundin and also the crossbar.
  United had efforts from Lilley and Murphy which both went wide before Lilley finally got his name
  on the scoresheet.
  Anthrobus put in a deflected cross which fell straight to Lilley who hit a low shot which also took
  a slight deflection before finding it's intended target.
  Oxford pushed forward in the final stages looking to take the full three points but Lilley's header
  was saved and Watson's headed effort was halted on the goal line.
  One injury problem for Malcolm Shotton as Phil Whelan limped off with what looked to be a
  hamstring problem.
  A point gained for Oxford which could be vital at the end of the season. The boss must have been
  expecting more though and will be against Wycombe on Sept 4 at home.

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