THE Oxford Mail player ratings for Oxford United’s 3-2 win over Sheffield Wednesday in Sky Bet League One.

JACK STEVENS

His first game for three months, so was never going to be back to his best. Maybe could have got down quicker for the opener and Wednesday’s second followed his miscued clearance. That being said, he made a great save in the first half and did okay in the air – 6

SAM LONG

Wednesday threatened less down his flank during the first 40 minutes, before the system change. Took the captain’s armband as United went to a back three and led by example, especially when his side were hanging on at the end – 7.5

Read the match report here

ELLIOTT MOORE

Only played the first half and was solid enough, with the visitors targeting Thorniley. Tried to get United moving by playing out from the back. Hopefully he was only taken off as a precaution – 6

JORDAN THORNILEY

Started poorly, but grew into the game – especially when the U’s switched to the back three. Gregory made his life difficult and could have been more alert to track Windass for Wednesday’s second – 6.5

STEVE SEDDON

Had a first half to forget, with Hunt causing him all sorts of problems. Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and was lucky not to concede a penalty. Was much better at wing back and could have scored – 5.5

CAMERON BRANNAGAN

One of the only players who looked capable of shaking United out of their slump in the first half. Unlucky not to score. Helped turn the contest after the break and used the ball well – 8

WATCH: Highlights of yesterday's game

MARCUS MCGUANE

Thought he started slowly again, however this time he really took the game by the scruff of the neck. Great assist for Taylor’s first goal and drove his side forward after the break – 8

MARK SYKES

Was one of United’s liveliest players when they were under the cosh and found a new level at wing back. His delivery improved and he carried the ball well, but his defensive work most caught the eye. Showed great energy to track back and make some key interceptions. MAN OF THE MATCH – 9

BILLY BODIN

Opportunities have been rare for the forward, but he certainly grabbed this one. Ran Sykes close as the best U's player of the first half and was even better after the break. Dead-ball delivery was a notable plus, including the assist for the winner – 8.5

NATHAN HOLLAND

Another day when he was in and out of the game. Much less of United’s threat came down his side, although he did have a hand in the first two goals – 6

MATTY TAYLOR

Two poacher’s goals to end his brief dry spell and the header was a harder finish than it looked. Much more effective than the last three matches and held the ball up well. BOOKED - 8

SUBSTITUTES

Luke McNally (for Moore, 46)

Another highly impressive display. Coming on at half-time is never easy, but he won everything in the air and his lung-busting run from one end of the pitch to the other was a highlight – 8

Karl Robinson: Sam Winnall winner was 'what dreams are made of'

Sam Winnall (for Holland, 74)

We were told how good he has been in training and the striker replicated it in a match-winning cameo. Strong in the air and a bullet header to secure victory – 7

John Mousinho (for Thorniley, 87)

Unused: Eastwood, Forde, Agyei.

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