THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United conceded a stoppage time equaliser at home to Northampton Town.
JAMIE CUMMING
Perhaps beaten too easily by the Will Hondermarck header, but otherwise, he had very little to do – 6
SAM LONG
Another iffy display, which saw him allow Hondermarck to get in front of him for his header, and then play a long ball back to Cumming, which later led to the Cobblers leveller in injury time – 5.5
STEPHAN NEGRU
Similarly to Long, he allowed Hondermarck to ghost in behind him, and so between the two of them, the situation could’ve been dealt with, despite the quality of the cross – 6
CIARON BROWN
Was the most likely option to bring the ball out of defence, something desperately lacking at times. Couldn’t sort his feet out quickly enough when Tony Springett netted the stoppage time leveller – 6.5
JOE BENNETT
Solid enough presence at left back, allowing Greg Leigh to offer a different type of threat further forward – 7
RUBEN RODRIGUES
Quiet night in the middle of park and was unable to pull the strings in the final third. BOOKED – 6
CAMERON BRANNAGAN
Had to show discipline as the deepest player in midfield, and sprayed some impressive diagonal balls across the pitch. Fingers will be crossed that his injury is nothing serious – 7
BILLY BODIN
Infield pass was far too casual, leading to the Cobblers making it level in the first half through Hondermarck’s header. Otherwise, he was neat and tidy, and linked up play – 6.5
JOSH MURPHY
By far the biggest threat for United, and his early goal showed the confidence flowing through him right now. MAN OF THE MATCH – 7.5
MARK HARRIS
Just like at the weekend, he had very little to feed off on what seemed like a tough night leading the line at times – 6
GREG LEIGH
Intercepted the ball well to begin the move for the early goal, and seemed to enjoy the more advanced role – 7.5
“He’ll get that chance, but it’s important he shows that on the training pitch. He’s been very good around the group, but it’s just a numbers game with everybody else back.”
— Liam Rice (@OxMailLiamRice) February 21, 2024
Des Buckingham on Tyler Burey’s absence from the #oufc matchday squadhttps://t.co/o1QZ6tT9MI
SUBSTITUTES
Tyler Goodrham (for Bennett, 65)
Added a bit of a spark in the final third when he came on, as he buzzed about the pitch – 7
Josh McEachran (for Brannagan, 72)
Came on and sat in the deep midfield role after Brannagan was forced off through injury – 6
Owen Dale (for Murphy, 72)
Did really well to beat his man and hook in a cross for Will Goodwin to head home – 7
Will Goodwin (for Harris, 72)
Goal on his home debut and looked a real threat the whole time he was on the pitch – 7.5
Jay Matete (for Bodin, 83)
Unused: Eastwood, Thorniley.
Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.
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