THE Oxford Mail player ratings for Oxford United’s 1-0 win over MK Dons in Sky Bet League One.

JACK STEVENS

Two routine saves early on but was not seriously tested afterwards, despite MK’s first-half dominance. Did as much as he could to stop Parrott before Brown’s goal line clearance. Ran the clock down at 1-0 – 6

SAM LONG

Showed good awareness with a couple of key interceptions when the visitors were on top. Positive running after the break helped turn the tide. Great energy all night – 7

LUKE MCNALLY

Looked shaky in the opening 45 minutes, losing the ball in dangerous positions. Better after the interval and made a nuisance of himself in the MK penalty area. BOOKED – 6

Read the match report here

ELLIOTT MOORE

Tidy, risk-free performance that helped secure a first clean sheet since February. Kept Boateng quiet in the second period after the forward started strongly. Went close with a header – 7

CIARON BROWN

Goal-line clearances and last-ditch sliding tackles are becoming his trademark. Dominant in the air, showed great athleticism and his long throws caused problems again. MAN OF THE MATCH – 8

MARK SYKES

One of many players guilty of losing possession too easily before the break. Improved after the restart, linking well with those around him and driving United forward on the counter-attack – 6.5

HERBIE KANE

Had very little protection in the first half, although there were still some good defensive contributions. Pushed up as the game went on and was able to hurt the visitors with his range of passing – 6.5

READ MORE: Billy Bodin and Karl Robinson reflect on match-winning moment

CAMERON BRANNAGAN

Like at Stadium:MK, he drove United forward in the second half seemingly through force of will alone. Dropped deeper to take possession and moved the ball with pace and purpose. BOOKED – 7

GAVIN WHYTE

Needed to keep hold of the ball better before the break, twice losing it on the edge of his own penalty area. Continued to work hard, though, and was part of some good stuff before going off – 5.5

MATTY TAYLOR

Had to battle for everything in a first half where very little came his way. Big chance went begging at the start of the second period, but his work-rate was excellent and he claimed an assist for Bodin. BOOKED – 7

NATHAN HOLLAND

Barely in the game until the hour mark, only to look dangerous for 20 minutes before coming off. His direct running helped push MK back – 6

WATCH: Highlights of last night's game

SUBSTITUTES

Billy Bodin (for Whyte, 69)

So sharp to nick the ball, so composed to find Taylor, so clinical to beat Cumming – 7

Ryan Williams (for Holland, 81)

Marcus Browne (for Sykes, 81)

Unused subs: Eastwood, Forde, Seddon, McGuane.

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