THE Oxford Mail player ratings for Oxford United’s 2-1 defeat to Lincoln City in Sky Bet League One.

SIMON EASTWOOD

No saves of note and unable to do anything about the goals. Distribution was sometimes sloppy and he occasionally held on to the ball too long – 5.5

SAM LONG

Bad mistake in the build-up to Lincoln's second, which ultimately left United with too much ground to make up. He was otherwise okay defensively, winning plenty of headers – 5

Read the match report here

ELLIOTT MOORE

Solid but unspectacular, although he appeared to lose track of Hopper for the opener. Probably should have done better with a late chance – 6

STUART FINDLAY

Still not entirely comfortable on the ball and caught out of position for the opener. Couple of chances at the other end, neither of which seriously worried Wright – 5

STEVE SEDDON

On a yellow card for more than half the game, which may have hampered him defensively. Won some headers and looked to get forward. BOOKED – 6

LEWIS BATE

Saw plenty of the ball but sometimes lost possession in dangerous areas. Involved in a couple of good moves. Substituted early in the second half – 5.5

READ MORE: Karl Robinson 'understands criticism will follow' after Lincoln defeat

MARCUS MCGUANE

Comfortably United’s best player, again. Moved the ball well and barely gave it away. Power and energy brought the U’s up the pitch, leaving Lincoln with no option but to foul him. MAN OF THE MATCH – 8

CAMERON BRANNAGAN

Went close in the first half but came alive after the break. Saw a good chance saved after the restart and coolly slotted away the penalty, despite the delay – 7

MARCUS BROWNE

More direct than on Saturday and it caused problems. Final ball was sometimes a bit off but went close with a free-kick just before his injury. Fingers crossed he will not be sidelined for long – 6.5

MATTY TAYLOR

Clearly desperate to do well and got into good positions, although he committed a few too many fouls. United still need to create more for him. BOOKED – 5.5

BILLY BODIN

A few moments of quality and a couple of first-half efforts that failed to test Wright. Set up Brannagan’s chance, but a bad miss at the back post before he went off – 6

WATCH: Highlights of last night's game

SUBSTITUTES

James Henry (for Bate, 57)

Delivery was good, both from open play and set-pieces – 6

Kyle Joseph (for Bodin, 60)

Gave the U’s another dimension, won the penalty and saw a late effort saved – 6.5

Tyler Goodrham (for Browne, 68)

A couple of bright moments – enough to put him in contention to start on Saturday? – 6

Ciaron Brown (for Seddon, 68)

Contributed in attack and defence. Long throw is a weapon – 6.5

Unused: McGinty, Gorrin, Jones.