THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United missed the chance to put themselves into a commanding play-off position after being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Stevenage.
JAMIE CUMMING
Made a decent stop in the final 10 minutes when Ben Thompson’s shot deflected off two U’s players at his near post. Question mark over claiming set pieces – 6.5
FIN STEVENS
Gave the ball away far too easily on at least a couple of occasions late in the game, when more composure with passing was needed – 5.5
SAM LONG
Unfortunate for the own goal, but did well to get back and clear a Kane Hemmings shot away from danger late on – 6.5
CIARON BROWN
Reliable presence at the back, but was sometimes too slow in possession when U’s needed to be a bit sharper in getting the ball forward up the pitch – 6.5
GREG LEIGH
Headed wide at the back post with what was the last chance of the game, and was caught out positionally a couple of times – 6
RUBEN RODRIGUES
More involved than in recent games, with his pass to Marcus Browne leading to the non-penalty decision, while he also won the penalty which got United level. Also wasteful with a couple of chances – 7
CAMERON BRANNAGAN
Penalty was never in doubt. Cut a frustrated figure when getting his head up to pick out a pass, but little space due to Stevenage’s defensive organisation – 7.5
TYLER GOODRHAM
Quiet display by his standards. Seems to still be finding his feet in new midfield role – 6
MARCUS BROWNE
First start since August was a busy one, with penalty call waved away, and decent chance missed in first half – 6.5
MARK HARRIS
Saw two headed chances go off target on a night when United needed those sorts of opportunities to drop for them – 6.5
JOSH MURPHY
Created plenty for his teammates and had a big chance himself when he raced through the middle, but was denied by Stevenage keeper Craig MacGillivray. MAN OF THE MATCH – 7.5
SUBSTITUTES
Owen Dale (for Browne, 64)
Released Murphy for his big chance on the counter-attack – 6
Billy Bodin (for Rodrigues, 72)
Brought on to provide guile and craft, but couldn’t get himself into the game – 5.5
James Henry (for Goodrham, 72)
Similar situation to Bodin, but also couldn’t quite get things to fall his way – 5.5
Unused: Eastwood, Thorniley, Bennett, Smyth.
Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.
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