THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United claimed a point against league leaders Bolton Wanderers in Des Buckingham’s first home game in charge.
JAMES BEADLE
Made a couple of good saves in the second half, while remaining a calming presence by claiming crosses and set pieces – 8
FIN STEVENS
Was given a tough time by left wing back Jack Iredale in the second half, but played his part in keeping a well-earned clean sheet – 6.5
ELLIOTT MOORE
His return at the heart of the defence demonstrated his importance to the side. Excellent in the air and always in the right place to mop up danger. MAN OF THE MATCH – 8
JORDAN THORNILEY
A much better display than at the weekend, with a couple of brilliant blocks to thwart Victor Adeboyejo – 7.5
CIARON BROWN
A very solid night defensively. Greg Leigh’s calf injury means he’s likely to get a run of games at left back, where he needs to find something extra going forward – 7
MARCUS MCGUANE
Worked hard in the engine room, up against a talented Trotters midfield. Potentially needed someone more defensively-minded next to him, to help deal with Paris Maghoma in the second half – 7
CAMERON BRANNAGAN
Almost scored from a brilliant free kick in the first half and showed off his range of passing with some lovely crossfield balls – 7.5
STAN MILLS
Spurned a couple of chances, including when in on goal in the first half. Better finishing could’ve earned him a brace on the night. BOOKED – 6.5
BILLY BODIN
Like Mills, missed a couple of opportunities, which were admittedly more half-chances though. BOOKED – 7
KYLE EDWARDS
Smacked the crossbar with a thunderous strike and got the side up the pitch well with his drives forward. Withdrawn at half-time, but once he gets fitness levels up again, will be a key player this season – 7.5
MARK HARRIS
Another frustrating night in front of goal where he had no opportunities, but he worked hard for the team and relished the physical battle with Trotters skipper Ricardo Almeida Santos – 6.5
Des Buckingham reacts to getting a point against the league leaders in his first home game #oufc https://t.co/3DagUyew5P
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) November 29, 2023
SUBSTITUTES
Tyler Goodrham (for Edwards, 46)
Struggled to make a major impact in the final third after coming on at half-time, playing from the left initially before being moved to the right – 6.5
Josh Murphy (for Bodin, 67)
Pacy and direct off the bench, and looked a threat at a time when the U’s were struggling a bit – 7
Stephan Negru (for Mills, 78)
Gatlin O’Donkor (for Harris, 78)
Unused: Eastwood, McEachran, Gorrin.
Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.
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