Holleran: Oxford’s luck could have been in in weather lottery

Fierce winds and rain which turned to hail threatended to turn the match into a mockery, with standing water at both ends of the pitch and conditions under foot treacherous.

The visitors, who sit in the third and final relegation spot, eight points behind Brakes, had first use of the elements and Holleran said he was happy such an important fixture was not decided by outside factors.

“I was concerned the game could turn into a lottery,” said Holleran, who also praised referee Neil Hair for his prompt decision to take the players off.

“We could have been one or two down at half-time and then everything could have changed - I’ve seen it happen before.

“The referee made the right decision, not only for the safety of the players, but for the officials and fans.

“Everyone knows what a good pitch we have here, so for it to turn into a swimming pool in ten minutes tells you just how severe the weather was.”

While cutting short the debut of Peter Till, the abandonment did at least allow Danny Newton an extra week to get fit, with a patched-up Joe Magunda, who had the game’s only shot, also benefitting.

All three are likely to feature at in-form Barrow tomorrow, with Ryan Higgins free to continue at right back after his loan deal with Birmingham City was extended until March 1.

Higgins’ form at the New Windmill has caught the eye of several teams higher up the Pyramid, but Holleran revealed that Blues boss Lee Clark had the final say on his destination.

“Ryan has done really well for us and we’re really pleased with him.

“He’s your typical modern full-back and he adds another dimension to us going forward.

“There were other clubs in for him, but Lee Clark decided it would be more beneficial for him to stay here.

“We’re delighted to extend the deal.”