Matt Bloomfield has reacted to Wycombe Wanderers’ home 0-0 draw against Thames Valley neighbours, Oxford United.

Despite the visitors starting the day in the top six, whilst the Chairboys sat in midtable, it was Wanderers who played the better as Jack Grimmer, Bez Lubala, Kieran Sadlier, Garath McCleary and Dale Taylor all went close, but Jamie Cumming in the U’s goal was on hand to make some brilliant save.

Wycombe had less possession but had more of the clear-cut chances, whilst, for Oxford, Cameron Brannagan and Ruben Rodrigues were denied by Max Stryjek.

Josh Murphy also went close but his bending effort for the Yellows went just wide.

The result means Wycombe stay 15th on 38 points, six clear from the relegation zone, whilst Oxford remain in the top six, but have only won one of their last five league games.

Here is what Matt Bloomfield had to say:

On the draw

“My first reaction was that this was a good game against two very good teams, as we know Oxford are fighting for points at the top of the table, but we’re an improving team.

“Our performances against three very good sides in Peterborough, Bolton and Oxford [today], show that we’re not far away and we could have got more points during the last week.

“We created more than enough chances to win the game and it’s disappointing not to come away with the three points, but I’m pleased with the resilience because if you’re not going to score, then you mustn’t concede.

“Our shape was good when Oxford had a few chances but we made some very good positives.

“There were a lot of good things to take from the draw.

“We wanted to come out with energy and intensity and we did that.”

On the club’s transitional period

“We’re trying to evolve and sometimes it can create a new identity in what we want to do, and there have been some rocky and bumpy moments, and of course, there’ll be some more along the way.

“In terms of where we want to go, I’m pleased with what we did against Oxford, and we want to continue with that going forward.

“The boys believe in what we’re trying to do, and if we can play like that, more good times will come.”

“We had a great win last week against Peterborough, we went up to Bolton and had a lot of good chances despite the loss, and today, we had a lot of chances as well.

“Next, we need to go to these teams and take those chances as I believe in them.”

On remaining resolute at the back

“The boys have got that killer instinct, but if we don’t score, just make sure that we don’t concede, that’s why I’m pleased with the clean sheet.

“Thank you to both the Oxford and Wycombe fans for the way they remembered Adam before the game and to our supporters as they backed us the entire game.

“There was a really good atmosphere in the ground and the boys love playing with that, it helps them.”

On the late Adam Ankers, who was honoured before the match took place

“We need to think about Adam today.

“Put football aside, I send my thoughts to Adam’s family as I can’t even think about what they’re going through at the moment.

“It’s very hard when you lose a family member.”

Stats from the draw at Adam's Park

  • The result means Wycombe are now unbeaten in their last seven against Oxford United (four wins and three draws)
  • The draw means Wanderers kept their first league clean sheet this calendar year
  • It was also their first at Adam's Park since mid-November, and their first in the league at home since October versus Cambridge
  • The last time Wanderers kept a clean sheet at home and WON in the league was against Carlsile in September 
  • Wycombe have played 11 games since January 1, winning on five occasions