Away Match Day Thread 18/05/2024: L1 Play-Off Final - Bolton vs Oxford

[Northstandboy]

Here we go, for the last time this season....

Post Match Discussion

Interview - Des Buckingham reflects

Match Highlights

Match Report

Ref Watch

 

[m]

I might be a bit confused, but does this mean that Cowley have won the World Cup?

 

[BrockBuster]

Sure Darren Ferguson especially enjoyed watching the game earlier.

 

[stokeu]

On a train full of Bolton fans and loving it!! Some delusional saying they should have won based on the stats. Most pissed off they didn't turn up. I have wine, they have whine and salty tears. COYY

 

[SSU1965]

Oh no, just realised we're not in the EFL Trophy next year!

dont worry, we can play our B team in it

 

[Wandering Yellow]

Des Buckingham. I owe you a sincere apology and also I love you

 

[Steve Gilbert]

Just back in our hotel.
Had doubts beforehand, Steve’s still not happy but would like to thank my mum, and that Italian pigeon for a wonderful day.

I’m more than happy thank you

 

[Steve Gilbert]

On a train full of Bolton fans and loving it!! Some delusional saying they should have won based on the stats. Most pissed off they didn't turn up. I have wine, they have whine and salty tears. COYY

Those stats that say they only had 5 shots and ZERO on target?!

 

[Yellows1]

Wow just wow, we totally outfought them from start to finish on the pitch and off it, fans every single one of us made a difference today, very very proud indeed, Des, you smashed it today, tactically a genius

 

[Dilla]

I had the Oxford players not in the squad today sitting a couple rows in front of me. It was great to see how happy they were for their team mates even though some of them know they won't be here next season.

 

[Robie]

Open top bus parade Monday after 4pm

 

[ThatSlopesATwelfthMan]

On the train back. Get the f**k in

 

[Yellows1]

Outthought, outfought and completely outplayed today. Absolutely no complaints about that result today guys fully deserved. Enjoy your night and enjoy the Championship next year you fully deserve it. Well done everybody but especially Super Des.

Cheers mate

 

[tomoufc]

Just left Euston on the train and seen Wembley’s arch had been lit up in Yellow and Blue. Fantastic end to a magical day.

 

[smiler106]

What an awesome day! I don't think it's really sunk in yet.

On a different note, I hope the guy who appeared to have fallen down the stairs at Wembley after the game, is OK.

 

[McXal]

Just incredible. Unbelievable. I didn’t start to believe we’d do it until about 98 minutes.

Even before the game in the stands I commented to my wife that it felt like a party, the atmosphere was incredible. The Oxford end was bouncing (at least in the lower tier behind the goal where we were). The Oxford fans just seemed so much more alive than Bolton’s end.

What a performance. As I said at half time, I thought the job Harris did blocking off Sheehan every time they had the ball was incredible. Long setting the tone in minute one with a crunching challenge on their biggest flair player, effectively taking him out of the game as soon as it began. The amount of running Goodrham, Dale and Brannagan got through was just incredible. The quality of Rodrigues and Murphy when it mattered most. All of the back four were so composed when we came under pressure. I also thought all of our subs massively performed. McGuane was quality in the way he kept the ball, drew fouls and sprung counter attacks. J-Mac made some super interceptions, mopped up some bits and scrapped for everything. And Leigh’s 10 minute cameo was all action. He was everywhere!

‘Tactical masterclass’ is an overused cliche - but is completely warranted. We did a job on them all over the pitch from first minute to last. I just didn’t see that coming at all and still feel a bit dazed. And so proud.

What a 25 years since we were last in the second tier it has been. I bloody love this club!

 

[dickwalton1964]

On cloud 99999999999999999999 !!!!!!! Absolutely buzzing, what a performance!!!

 

[Matt W]

Omg what just happened not going to sink for a few days.

Wait until the fixtures arrive!

 

[Canterburyexile]

Meanwhile on the scummer forum…

‘If we appointed a manager with Buckingham's CV there would be hell to pay from most fans yet he's Oxford through and through and taken them to the promised land. Not really a dig, more a nod to what a thought out stategy can do. Never thought I'd be jealous of Oxford.’

 

[FalmouthOx]

Wait until the fixtures arrive!

Mansfield v Bolton on a Tuesday night is surely the low

 

[FalmouthOx]

Sure Darren Ferguson especially enjoyed watching the game earlier.

Cam not going to Blackpool was visionary