THE Oxford Mail player ratings for Oxford United’s 3-2 defeat to Bolton Wanderers in Sky Bet League One.

JACK STEVENS

The first was arguably saveable, but he had little chance with the others – those in front of him should have done better to stop the chances. Some routine saves, kicking was mixed – 5.5

SAM LONG

Backed off John to allow him to get the shot away for the equaliser. Distribution was on and off, although put in some good crosses in the first half – 5.5

ELLIOTT MOORE

No blame attached to him for the first two goals, let Bakayoko get in front of him for the winner. Another solid display and will be immensely frustrated at the number of goals going in. BOOKED – 7

WATCH: Highlights of yesterday's game

LUKE MCNALLY

Would have been totally understandable for him to miss this one after a horrific week, so his performance deserves a lot of credit. Only gripe was the header that fell to Fossey for Bolton’s second – 7

STEVE SEDDON

Could he have got tighter to Fossey for the second equaliser? Thought he applied himself well against the visitors’ brightest player. BOOKED – 6

HERBIE KANE

He has not been as influential since returning from the red card at Lincoln. Saw plenty of the ball, but passing was off at times. Had to be stronger in the tackle in the build-up to Bolton’s first. BOOKED – 5

CAMERON BRANNAGAN

Another who affected the game less than he can. Kept the ball well and got into good shooting positions, but could not repeat his screamer against Portsmouth – 6

Read the match report here

GAVIN WHYTE

Looked very bright considering it was his first appearance for a month. Earned the free-kick that led to the first goal and claimed the assist for the second. Missed a great chance one-on-one in the first half – 7.5

BILLY BODIN

Unplayable before the break. Two fantastic strikes and a gorgeous bit of skill to set up Taylor were the highlights. Hopefully his tight calf was nothing more than that. MAN OF THE MATCH – 8.5

MARK SYKES

Drifted in and out of the game. Needed to be sharper defensively for Bolton’s second and third goals, giving Fossey too much space on both occasions – 5

Read also: Karl Robinson 'furious' with Bolton winner

MATTY TAYLOR

Unlucky not to score early on and linked well with those around him, particularly Bodin and Whyte. Had a difficult task holding the ball up against the imposing Santos – 6

SUBSTITUTES

Marcus McGuane (for Bodin, 65)

Struggled to make an impact against a tough Wanderers midfield – 5

Ryan Williams (for Whyte, 75)

Looked busy during his brief cameo – 5.5

Sam Baldock (for Seddon, 86)

Unused: Eastwood, Brown, Forde, Winnall.

Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.