Ratings (6 Average)
Saul Deeney- 7, Drafted in for his first league start of the season and can be reasonably pleased with his efforts. Given no chance with the penalty, but dealt with everything else admirably. Kicking needs urgent work, though.
Mike Edwards- 6, Steady..and dependable. I can see me writing that a lot this season.
Julian Baudet- 7, Another solid display before injury forced him to withdraw at half time. Coped well with the physical threat of Mooney, and looks cool stroking the ball out of defence. Him & Whitlow could be quite a partnership.
Ian Richardson- 6, Unlucky with the award of the penalty. Had a decent enough game apart from that and coped with the experience of Bradbury well throughout.
Rob Ullathorne- 7, Another solid game at left back. Blighted his copybook somewhat when he was spotted laughing his head off as he walked down the tunnel at the finish.
David Pipe- 7, Improving game-by-game, and will be sorely missed on Saturday when he is on International duties. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. One of the most commited players around, still should be a real asset this season.
Paul Bolland- 5, Struggled to live up to his recent good form and never really got in the game. Distribution was woeful, before being withdrawn on 68 minutes.
Matty Gill- 5, Doesn't look any better than the batch we released over the summer. His set pieces, and yes that does include his throw-in, got us nowhere. Lucky to be in the side.
Tony Scully- 7, Star man. By far our biggest threat, though was non-existant in the first half, thus making his man of the match accolade somewhat fortunate. Saying that, he caused them no end of problems with his direct running in the second half and looked our biggest threat of getting on the scoresheet. Work rate needs to be addressed.
Glynn Hurst- 5, His CV reads goals wherever he's gone, but he certainly isn't looking like a prolific striker. Worked hard, again, but missed a few more decent chances along the way.
Matty Williams- 6, Carried on his recent run of good form by producing an excellent first half before fading badly in the second, though he was struggling with an injury. Looks lively, and should definetly keep his place ahead of Hurst on current form.
Subs
Mike Whitlow (Baudet 46)- 7, Playing only his second game of the season, looked competent and assured at the back.
Shane McFaul (Bolland 68)- 5, This rather poor cameo won't have done the youngster's confidence any good, so I won't knock it any further.
Kelvin Wilson (Edwards 68)- 6, Another solid display. Should be handed his first start of the season on Saturday.
Not Used: Mildenhall, Harrad.
A quick word on the opposition. Oxford were an extremely physical outfit, and may well expect to make the playoffs this season, especially with such an experienced, and no doubt well-paid, strike-force.
Their centre-back, Leo Roget, was the best player on the pitch by a mile and is probably the best opposition player seen at Meadow Lane so far this season.