OXFORD United went toe-to-toe with Watford under the Friday night lights at Vicarage Road, but fell to a 1-0 defeat.

Vakoun Bayo scored the only goal of the game nine minutes into the second period, tucking away a rebound after seeing his initial strike saved by Jamie Cumming.

We had a look at the key talking points from Vicarage Road.

READ ALSO: Our player ratings after U’s edged by Watford

Best away performance of the season?

The difference between United’s home and away form is well-documented this season, and the search for that elusive first victory on the road will go on.

Until last night, what the U’s hadn’t quite managed to pull together was an away performance which had elements of control, chances created and a robustness at the back throughout the 90 minutes.

At Coventry City, the Sky Blues were the better side, but United were seconds away from claiming a draw.

The games at Blackburn Rovers and Bristol City then lacked the control after taking the lead, and at Luton Town, the U’s were fantastic at times, but had to fight back from 2-0 down to claim a draw.

United’s draw at Portsmouth was underwhelming, and the defeat at league leaders Sunderland saw the U’s outclassed by an impressive outfit.

Against Watford though, United didn’t look out of place and matched up very well against a talented Hornets side.

More away performances like this one will surely see three points collected on the road sooner rather than later.

Oxford Mail:

Midfield lacking creative spark

An ever-increasing number of injuries have limited the players available to Des Buckingham in recent weeks.

It’s meant pretty much the same squad of players has been relied on game after game, and at times it has shown.

That’s been evident in the midfield engine room and the midfield positions higher up, where there have been some tired legs.

The likes of Idris El Mizouni, Tyler Goodrham and Ruben Rodrigues haven’t quite been able to replicate the intensity from earlier in the season, while it’s also paid the price in the final third.

Watford certainly won the midfield battle against the U’s. Edo Kayembe and Imran Louza looked a class above, and produced moments of quality to carve out openings for either themselves or their teammates.

Jamie Cumming keeps doing the business

United’s standout player so far across the course of the season has probably been Cumming.

Each match sees him make at least one good or very good save, and against the Hornets, he stopped well from Giorgi Chakvetadze and Bayo in particular.

Worthy mentions to for his defensive colleagues, who all put in a massive shift at Vicarage Road.

Ciaron Brown was dominant as the left-sided centre back, while right wing back Peter Kioso was marvellous for the U’s.