BUCKINGHAM PANS OFFICIALS AFTER BORO FRUSTRATE U'S

DES Buckingham blamed another penalty decision for Oxford United’s failure to claim a vital victory as his play-off chasing side were held at home by manager-less Stevenage.

-  Mark Johnson

After criticising the decision to award Lincoln a spot-kick in their midweek defeat to the Imps, this time Buckingham was incensed by Tom Nield’s refusal to buckle to his team’s demands in the first half when Marcus Browne appeared to have been fouled by goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray.

Earlier, Sam Long scored an unfortunate own goal to hand the visitors the advantage, but Oxford did level after the break through a Cameron Brannagan penalty, albeit one that should not have been given as Carl Piergianni looked to have fouled Ruben Rodrigues outside the box.

United, despite having the lion’s share of possession and all the chances, couldn’t breach the visitors’ rearguard again with half an hour remaining, meaning their play-off hopes are now dangling by the proverbial thread.

Buckingham said: “There was a clear penalty not given in the first half, and for us that’s the second game in a row that one hasn’t been given when it should have been. It was a huge moment in the game, and very frustrating.