Oxford United player ratings for 1-0 Plymouth Argyle defeat

SIMON EASTWOOD

Plymouth’s only shot on target squeezed inside his near post but it looked like he saw it late. Decision-making was good, leaving his penalty area several times to sweep up - 6.5

LUKE MCNALLY

Strong challenges early on helped set the tone for United’s positive first half. Made some good tackles after the break when Plymouth looked dangerous. Unable to threaten much in possession – 7

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SAM LONG

Another towering display in the centre of the back three. Always in the right place at the right time to make several key clearances and interceptions. Saw a lot of the ball. MAN OF THE MATCH – 7.5

CIARON BROWN

Could he have got closer to Ennis to stop the Argyle striker setting up Edwards for the goal? Otherwise he did well, winning tackles and headers even as the game got away from United. BOOKED – 7

MARK SYKES

Made it too easy for Law to turn inside in the build-up to the goal and was dispossessed by his opposite number a couple more times. Great pass into Whyte for the penalty that never was – 6

READ MORE: Karl Robinson rues key penalty decision and has say on Plymouth celebrations

HERBIE KANE

Excellent in the first half, showing bite in the tackle and moving United up the pitch quickly. Started the second period well before his influence faded – 7.5

MARCUS MCGUANE

A big test for him and he stood up to the challenge before the break, battling well and setting up Bodin with brilliant strength and then the delivery. Looked to be tiring when he came off – 7

RYAN WILLIAMS

Kept Edwards quiet in the first half during an entertaining battle. Could have done better to close the Argyle captain down for the goal. Did not get the chance to do too much attacking – 6

GAVIN WHYTE

Caught offside too often before the break, although he looked onside for the key penalty decision. Got into good positions but has to score his early chance – 6.5

WATCH: Highlights of yesterday's game

MATTY TAYLOR

The lob that went close was a difficult one, even if Karl Robinson thought he should have hit the target. Great ball to set Bodin away for Whyte’s chance but quiet in the second half. BOOKED – 6

BILLY BODIN

Unlucky to be denied by Cooper early on and was inches away from a sublime goal after the break. Linked well with Taylor and Whyte, should have had an assist for the latter – 7

SUBSTITUTES

James Henry (for Williams, 67)

A couple of threatening balls into Taylor almost came off. Encouraging return to action – 6.5

Sam Winnall (for McGuane, 67)

Struggled to get into the game, a couple of pieces of link-up play and one backheeled half-chance – 5

Nathan Holland (for Bodin, 79)

Unused: Stevens, Mousinho, Seddon, Forde.

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