BLACKPOOL and Oxford United head into tomorrow’s meeting with the same goal – building on an overdue win.

While the U’s were beating Milton Keynes Dons 3-1 on New Year’s Day, the Tangerines were battling to a 2-1 victory at Rochdale.

It ended an eight-game winless run in Sky Bet League One and boss Gary Bowyer believes it was richly deserved.

He said: “It was a great start to 2018 with the win at Rochdale.

“Throughout the run we’d always stressed the performances were there, it was just the actual results.

“Fair play to the players, they’ve stuck together and come out the other side.

“They will be stronger for that experience and I’m looking forward to them kicking on.”

Blackpool won the reverse fixture 3-1 in September, but will be without the injured Kyle Vassell, who scored twice against his former side in an impressive individual performance.

Bowyer is expecting an attractive contest between sides who look to pass the ball.

He said: “There are two good footballing teams.

“They are a good team with good players and no doubt with the structure they’ve got at the club they will be looking to invest as well.”