Former Charlton boss Karl Robinson has his say as Oxford look to pounce on final play-off spot

Former Charlton manager Karl Robinson insists Oxford United will only be focusing on their result on Sunday.

The Addicks beat Lincoln City 3-1 on Tuesday night to keep their League One play-off hopes alive.

Portsmouth are in pole position and they occupy sixth place going into the weekend, with Oxford and Charlton on their tail ready to pounce on any slip ups.

Robinson told Oxford United’s club website: “I didn’t follow the other games this week because I have no control over them, so it’s a waste of energy.

“Saturday [the win] at Shrewsbury has given us a chance and for this team, two consecutive seasons to achieve what we have done and to get 70 points again. We equalled the biggest away win record that we set last season, the longest winning run in the club’s history, biggest points total at this level since 1996, overachieving the budget again, selling players for millions of pounds – it’s been exceptional.

“I have been in the same situation twice before, achieved it once, missed out once – so you just don’t know. Six years ago I was involved in a similar game where we were one point adrift ahead of the 12 o’clock game on a Sunday.

“We felt staying overnight was the best way of doing things because we can get them together, do our usual pre-match walk, get the right foods cooked properly and you’re in control of everything. We will meet at a hotel on Saturday then be ready on Sunday morning.

“Don’t expect us to turn up and be free flowing, there will be a few nerves obviously and Burton have players who can hurt you. They’ve not been a lucky side for us over the years, so there are a lot of pitfalls if we don’t respect the opposition.

“It’s nice to even be in this situation after all we have gone through. No fans in the stadium, trying to keep everyone motivated for two years non stop, an FA hearing this week, but it’s been an amazing push by everyone.”