Smith return ruined by Blackpool
  John Murphy ensured that Denis Smith's return to the Manor Ground was a miserable one as he
  scored the only goal of the game as Oxford went down 1-0.
  The defeat lifts the Seasiders above Oxford in the table, and the U's now lie in 22nd place, their
  lowest league position for over 20 years.
  United have now suffered 5 straight defeats and have not scored in any of them, and their lack of
  confidence in front of goal was apparent as they failed to take advantage of the chances that
  came their way.
  Oxford started well, and Blackpool keeper Tony Caig had to be alert, diverting a cross with Nigel
  Jemson in close attendance. Paul Powell enjoyed his left wing-back role with some good play,
  but this could not stop Blackpool opening the scoring on 18 minutes. Midfielder Steve Bushell
  flighted in an excellent cross and Blackpool striker John Murphy rose above Phil Whelan to head
  the ball past Paul Lundin for his 9th goal of the season.
  This provoked Denis Smith to change his tactics as the side reverted to a more conventional
  4-4-2 formation. Matt Murphy was switched to a wide right position, and Paul Tait, previously
  playing right wing-back came into the middle to partner Peter Fear.
  This sparked Oxford into action and they had strong appeals for a penalty turned down when Phil
  Whelan flicked on a long Mark Watson throw and Murphy looked to be impeded as he went for the
  ball. However the referee waved away the claims and play continued.
  Blackpool defended efficiently but were restricted to long range efforts, Junior Bent having a shot
  well saved, and Chris Lumsdon, making his debut, firing wide when he should have hit the target.
  United kept up the pressure, and on 40 minutes, a deflected shot by Derek Lilley somehow found
  it's way into the path of Murphy. However the top-scorer was unable to add to the 14 goals he has
  scored this season.
  Oxford fans finally thought that their goal drought had finally been brought to an end when on the
  stroke of half-time Derek Lilley had the ball in the net. However his effort was ruled out for offside,
  so the teams went into the break with the score 1-0 to Blackpool.
  The second half was a time of desperate measures for Oxford as they desperately tried to
  salvage a point or three to end their losing streak. Both strikers Nigel Jemson and Derek Lilley
  were taken off, to be replaced by Steve Anthrobus and Simon Weatherstone. But this did not
  change the game as a resilient Blackpool hung on defiantly to their lead.
  The Seasiders almost doubled their lead, when Junior Bent raced away, and with the Oxford
  players looking for offside, fed the ball to Murphy, who hit the crossbar on 49 minutes. United
  themselves hit the woodwork, in the 90th minute when Les Robinson, on a rare trip forward, hit
  the post with a sweet left foot strike.
  And it got worse for the U's as sub Anthrobus had a great chance to level the match, but he put
  his header straight at Blackpool 'keeper Caig, who had a comfortable game.
  This was a bad defeat for Oxford, and did themselves no favours in their fight against relegation.
  The U's put in a spirited performance, but it simply was not enough against a resurgent Blackpool
  side, who deserve great credit for an excellent win under the circumstances.

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