League One: Des Buckingham Feels Heavy Schedule Caught Up With Oxford United

Oxford boss Des Buckingham felt the heavy schedule of three games in six days took its toll on his team as they were held 1-1 by Stevenage at the Kassam Stadium. (More Football News)

It means it is effectively no longer in Oxford바카라�s hands to reach the League One play-offs because Lincoln are three points behind them with a game in hand and a superior goal difference.

Buckingham felt the decision not to award the U바카라�s a penalty when Marcus Browne appeared to have been fouled by keeper Craig MacGillivray in the first half was crucial.

They had to come from behind as Stevenage went in front through a Sam Long own goal in the 32nd minute, Cameron Brannagan replying from the penalty spot on 58 minutes when Carl Piergianni fouled Ruben Rodrigues 바카라� though that appeared to have been outside the box.

Buckingham said: 바카라�To play three games in six days is a big ask.

바카라�We had 26 shots but couldn바카라�t get that second goal we needed.

바카라�There was a clear penalty not given in the first half, and for us that바카라�s the second game in a row that one hasn바카라�t been given when it should have been. It was a huge moment in the game, and very frustrating.

바카라�The referee told me he couldn바카라�t see it, but the linesman was only 15 yards away and had a clear view.

바카라�I바카라�m delighted with the performance but ultimately we바카라�ve got just the four points from these three home games, now we need to make sure we prepare right and get three in the last one at Exeter.

바카라�When we looked to rearrange the Lincoln game we chose this week because it was a free week, then Sky told us they wanted to bring this Stevenage one forward and show it on the Friday night which meant three games in six days.

바카라�There was nothing we could do about it, but had we known they were going to do that, we would have played the Lincoln game another week.

바카라�It바카라�s going to be a tight finish 바카라� I wouldn바카라�t rule out Blackpool either, and they바카라�ve got to play Barnsley.바카라�

Stevenage had lost manager Steve Evans in the week, with Evans heading north to become Rotherham boss.

Caretaker boss Alex Revell said: 바카라�Steve always had two clubs very much in his heart 바카라� this one and Rotherham. Believe me, making the decision was probably the hardest thing he바카라�s had to do, he said.

바카라�I wanted to take today and make the players ready. I really enjoyed it because they gave everything.

바카라�I바카라�m very proud of what the lads did tonight.

바카라�We had a great day yesterday in terms of training and getting ready and trying to get a few bits into them.

바카라�They came to a really tough place and worked so hard for each other.

바카라�In spells we created some half-chances, probably not enough, but it was about showing our togetherness as a club and our spirit.

바카라�I think we showed why we have caused teams problems this season, especially with our energy and our workrate.

바카라�The first penalty shout against us was a penalty and should have been given so we got away with that.

바카라�But it doesn바카라�t mean that something that started outside the box should be a penalty. Two wrongs don바카라�t make a right.바카라�