WHEN Karl Robinson revealed Oxford United’s team to face Bolton Wanderers, it was hard to know what to expect.

An injury-enforced formation change to a 4-4-2 diamond was something the U’s had barely worked on, but they adapted well and fully played their part in an end-to-end Sky Bet League One contest.

Matty Taylor and Sam Winnall only tend to be on the pitch together when United are chasing the game, yet from kick-off they linked well with Gavin Whyte – himself playing in a less-favoured No 10 role.

You could even have mistaken Winnall for James Henry from his clipped ball over the top to find Taylor for the first goal.

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United’s formation meant Taylor always had at least two players in support, with the midfield three of Mark Sykes, Cameron Brannagan and Alex Gorrin also joining the attack - the latter more than normal.

But the flip-side was the space it gave Bolton to attack down the flanks and right back Gethin Jones kept Steve Seddon busy, particularly before the break.

That being said, the U's were effective in slowing the game down after that manic opening 20 minutes - until Dapo Afolayan's goal.

United were similarly streetwise against Charlton Athletic last weekend and it will be a useful asset this season.

The first 15 minutes of the second half was probably the U's best spell of the season so far, but that familiar tale of not taking their chances came back to haunt them.

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Eoin Doyle's winner not only came seconds after a U’s corner, but the striker was also not tracked closely enough as he darted to the near post.

To their credit, United’s heads did not go down against a good side backed by a noisy home support that will roar them on to many more wins this season.

They continued to threaten on the counter-attack, but Whyte's stoppage-time miss summed up an afternoon when their only clear failing was a lack of ruthlessness.

It has already been said that yesterday was the complete opposite to Tuesday's win over Crewe Alexandra, as United played well but had nothing to show for it.

We must remember that the U's have still started better than the last three seasons and they already look more adaptable than ever under Robinson.

As Henry said earlier this week, though, the points you gain in August can make the difference in May - and yesterday showed that works both ways.