OXFORD United have been knocking on the door of the Sky Bet Championship for the last two seasons, so their trip to Queens Park Rangers was more than just a chance for some Milk Cup nostalgia.

Mark Warburton’s side are fifth in the early second-tier table after finishing strongly last term, making them a good benchmark for a team at that level.

The U’s support was worthy of the Premier League, never mind the Championship, as more than 2,000 fans created a special atmosphere.

In recent years, United have risen to the occasion countless times against higher-division opposition and they threatened to do so again in a high-intensity start.

Ratings: Every Oxford United player marked out of 10

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, though, even in that 15 minutes they made poor decisions and lacked an end product when they got near the QPR goal.

The hosts made five changes from the side that started at the weekend, compared to United’s six, so would surely be too strong if they clicked into gear – and so it proved.

A lot has been said about Rob Dickie over the last 24 hours, but it is no exaggeration to suggest that there are not many centre backs in the country who can score goals like that.

There have been more than a few rumours of interest from Premier League clubs and United will be watching closely, as they stand to gain from a sell-on clause inserted in the deal that took the defender to Loftus Road last September.

Read also: Rob Dickie full of praise for Oxford United

QPR had already threatened before Dickie’s 26th-minute strike, particularly down the U’s right – where Leon Chambers-Parillon was horribly exposed.

It is hard enough for a teenager making only his seventh senior appearance – and his second in front of full crowds – but when you are out of position and getting little help from your teammates it must feel like an impossible job.

QPR forward Ilias Chair was instrumental and it summed up his night – and Chambers-Parillon’s – when his shot took a huge deflection off the youngster to put the hosts in control.

It is not just the finishing that separates Sky Bet League One from the Championship, but the movement too.

Reaction: Karl Robinson and Simon Eastwood have their say

United could not live with the runners at times, although their response after the break was pleasing.

As ever, Cameron Brannagan drove the U’s forward and Gavin Whyte drifted in off the left wing to allow Steve Seddon to overlap.

You were willing United to score simply for the scenes behind the goal, but time after time promising positions went begging.

It must be said that QPR would have only been a little worried if the U’s had pulled a goal back, such was their threat on the break.

The two-goal gap was probably fair on a night when United competed well, but lacked the edge of their Championship opponents.