THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United began 2023 with a 1-0 defeat at home to Exeter City in Sky Bet League One.

ED MCGINTY

Not at fault for the Grecians goal after initially making a good save from Jay Stansfield. Made a super stop to deny Josh Key moments later to keep United in the game – 7.5

DJAVAN ANDERSON

Used his pace and skill to lead a couple of brilliant individual runs down the right flank. Now needs to provide regular good deliveries into the box when he gets forward – 7.5

ELLIOTT MOORE

Made an outstanding challenge to thwart Josh Key, who had rounded McGinty, when the game was still goalless – 7.5

SAM LONG

Benefit of him playing centre back is his ability to drive forward with the ball and offer an extra thing for opposition defences to worry about – 7

CIARON BROWN

Produced a great challenge in the box to stop namesake Jevani in the opening exchanges and was solid enough at the back. BOOKED – 7

LEWIS BATE

Despite the defeat, Bate was a joy to watch. He took it upon himself to grab the game by the horns with an all-action performance, winning possession from deep or creating attacks further forward. MAN OF THE MATCH – 8

MARCUS MCGUANE

A strong, aggressive display with action at both ends of the pitch. Could do nothing to prevent the three-on-one which led to Sam Nombe’s goal – 7.5

CAMERON BRANNAGAN

Midfield trio of himself, Bate and McGuane is showing signs it can dominate at this level. Now, they need to make their domination count with regular goals and assists – 7

TYLER GOODRHAM

First league start for United and was busy down the right-hand side. Had a couple of openings to get an effort on target, and was unlucky with a header in the first half – 7.5

MATTY TAYLOR

Hit the post on the cusp of half-time but otherwise, little in the way of chances that fell his way. Needs support closer to him if goals are to flow – 7

YANIC WILDSCHUT

Showed glimpses of what he’s all about on his first U’s start. Once up to speed, was powering past opponents and getting deliveries into the box with ease – 7.5

Read the match report here

SUBSTITUTES

Stuart Findlay (for Anderson, 62)

Slotted in at the back but was unable to get back in time as the visitors countered from a United corner to win the game – 6

Josh Murphy (for Wildschut, 62)

Struggled to get involved following on from his brilliant first half display against Charlton Athletic – 6

Billy Bodin (for Goodrham, 72)

Another of the substitutes who didn’t get into the game when the U’s should’ve been pushing hard to find a winner – 5.5

Gatlin O’Donkor (for Taylor, 72)

Difficult position to be in as had nothing to feed off, but made his presence known by challenging Jamal Blackman for the ball after the goalkeeper was penalised for time-wasting – 5.5

Unused: Plumley, Seddon, Johnson.

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