THE Oxford Mail player ratings for Oxford United’s 3-2 win at Fleetwood Town in Sky Bet League One.
JACK STEVENS
Did he need to race out of goal for Fleetwood’s second? Brown then bailed him out with a clearance off the line moments later. Good save from Harrison 30 seconds after the restart. BOOKED – 6
SAM LONG
Improved on his display against Sunderland, although his passing was sloppy again. Struggled to contain Hayes and Lane, but won a lot of important headers. Unlucky for the penalty – 6
LUKE MCNALLY
Dominant as usual in the air as Fleetwood launched a flurry of set-pieces and throw-ins. Not as comfortable when the hosts attacked on the floor. Made one crucial block from Lane – 6.5
ELLIOTT MOORE
Another whose aerial ability was needed against the home side’s onslaught. Caught square a couple of times, but led the defence well with little protection – 7
CIARON BROWN
Continues to be very solid defensively, without offering too much going forward. Some great tackles and his clearance off the line was brilliant – 7
READ MORE: Karl Robinson relieved after 'horrific' Fleetwood win and news on James Henry's injury
BILLY BODIN
Provided the cross for the opening goal and made a difficult finish look easy for the third. Almost scored a beauty just before then, too. Lost his way as Fleetwood took control – 6.5
HERBIE KANE
Defensive positioning was good in the first half, enabling him to nip Fleetwood attacks in the bud. Second half passed him by as the hosts took control. Unable to make much impact with the ball – 6
CAMERON BRANNAGAN
Took his goal brilliantly and claimed two assists, although the first was a little fortuitous. Much less influential in the second period but at least he was snappy in the tackle. BOOKED, MAN OF THE MATCH – 7
READ MORE: Cameron Brannagan knows Oxford United underperformed at Fleetwood
MARK SYKES
Some moments of quality, including one lovely turn in the first half and his run and cross-shot after the break. Also assisted Taylor’s disallowed goal. Frustrating at other times as he drifted in and out of the game – 6
MATTY TAYLOR
Needed to score his chance before the break and was unlucky to see a second-half strike ruled out for offside. Battled well, but barely in the game after the break – 6
NATHAN HOLLAND
Took his goal well and a slick interchange with Brannagan for United’s second. Also created Taylor’s disallowed strike. Impact was otherwise inconsistent – 6.5
WATCH: Highlights of yesterday's game
SUBSTITUTES
Gavin Whyte (for Holland, 59)
A difficult game to get into. One promising run came to nothing – 5.5
James Henry (for Bodin, 69)
Reasonably lively, but the injury overshadowed everything. Hope he recovers quickly – 6
Ryan Williams (for Sykes, 84)
Marcus McGuane (for Henry, 89)
Unused: Eastwood, Seddon, Forde.
Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.
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