THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United were dumped out of the Emirates FA Cup with a third round defeat at Coventry City.
SIMON EASTWOOD
A nightmare game to return in, however he kept the scoreline lower than what it could’ve been with a handful of good saves – 5
OISIN SMYTH
Replaced at half-time after a difficult afternoon coming up against a talented Sky Blues attack – 4.5
JORDAN THORNILEY
Brushed aside like he wasn’t there by Ellis Simms prior to Ben Sheaf restoring the home lead – 4
CIARON BROWN
Can be deemed unfortunate for the penalty awarded against him as it looked like a coming together more than anything – 5
FIN STEVENS
An outlet for the U’s in the first half, and was regularly free on the right-hand side. MAN OF THE MATCH – 5.5
JOSH MCEACHRAN
Too easily swept past by Kasey Palmer prior to the midfielder netting his stunning goal. BOOKED – 4
CAMERON BRANNAGAN
Did well to win the ball in lead-up to the Mark Harris equaliser, but he was mainly kept quiet. BOOKED – 5
JOE BENNETT
Sent a lovely ball across goal in the second half but nobody was there to tap it in – 5
Seven players out yesterday with injury/ illness (plus James Beadle) and Stan Mills can now be added to that list. It’s painfully clear Des Buckingham needs support in the window #oufc https://t.co/7SqG65Xg1o
— Liam Rice (@OxMailLiamRice) January 7, 2024
RUBEN RODRIGUES
He wasn’t able to exert his usual control, coming up against quality opposition. BOOKED – 4.5
MARCUS MCGUANE
Was pushed into an advanced position but he was unable to make an impact – 4.5
MARK HARRIS
Grabbed a second goal in two games, which will hopefully act as a huge confidence boost – 5
SUBSTITUTES
Stan Mills (for Smyth, 46)
Taken off on a stretcher in stoppage time with what looked like a very serious injury. Fingers crossed for as speedy recovery as possible – 4.5
Billy Bodin (for McEachran, 46)
Couldn’t get into game as the hosts dominated – 4.5
Tyler Goodrham (for Rodrigues, 68)
Well-taken goal after coming off the bench, despite not being match fit – 5
James Henry (for Brannagan, 68)
The game was long gone when he came on, with the U’s struggling to get up the pitch – 4.5
Gatlin O’Donkor (for Harris, 85)
Unused: McGinty, McIntyre, Gorrin, Woltman.
Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here