THE Oxford Mail player ratings for Oxford United’s 1-1 draw at Sunderland in Sky Bet League One.

SIMON EASTWOOD

Drew plenty of criticism after the Bristol Rovers defeat, but responded well on his return from isolation. Commanded his area and could not do much about Sunderland’s goal. Brilliant late save salvaged a point – 8

ANTHONY FORDE

The ease at which he was beaten by Dajaku for the opener perhaps showed an element of rustiness. Did not do much wrong after that, just a shame more of his set-pieces were not met by a United head – 7

LUKE MCNALLY

The biggest crowd he has played in front of, but he looked at home. Another display full of headers, blocks and tackles, although he will be hugely relieved his second-half error did not lead to a goal – 7

Read the match report here

ELLIOTT MOORE

Another who was solid on his return to the side, his aerial threat was important when United were under the cosh in the second half – 8

SAM LONG

Has played right back, centre back and now left back in the last month and did a great job in all three positions. Sunderland did not get down his side many times and he contributed to attacks, too – 8

JAMES HENRY

Lively in the first half, but faded and never got back into the game after the break. Taking him off for McGuane was understandable – 6

Read also: Karl Robinson 'angry' at second-half performance

HERBIE KANE

Topped the charts for numbers of passes (63), but not many of those were in positions to hurt Sunderland. Some important tackles – 6.5

CAMERON BRANNAGAN

Harshly booked early on, so it was important he kept his head – and he did. His pressing was excellent and the goal-saving slide after Stewart hit the bar did not go unnoticed. BOOKED, MAN OF THE MATCH – 8

GAVIN WHYTE

Arguably United’s brightest player in the first 20 minutes and always a willing runner. Influence faded as Sunderland got on top – 7

MATTY TAYLOR

One shot, one goal – his time away clearly did not impact his finishing. A tough afternoon against three centre backs, but made a nuisance of himself. BOOKED – 7.5

WATCH: Highlights of yesterday's game

NATHAN HOLLAND

Did well to avoid fouling Gooch in the build-up to the goal, before keeping his composure to find Taylor. Not enough of those moments during the 90 minutes, though – 6

SUBSTITUTES

Marcus McGuane (for Henry, 74)

Tidy in possession after coming on at a difficult time – 6

Dan Agyei (for Taylor, 74)

Late chance was only contribution of note – 5

Mark Sykes (for Holland, 82)

Unused: Plumley, Thorniley, Williams, Bodin.

Players who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.