THE Oxford Mail player ratings for Oxford United’s 7-2 thumping of Gillingham in Sky Bet League One.

JACK STEVENS

Had a busier afternoon than the score line suggests, especially in the second half. Unlucky with the goals, as both came after the goalkeeper made good saves – 7

SAM LONG

Helped assert United’s dominance with a series of positive runs down the right early on. Did well to win the third penalty, although had to do more defending than expected in the last half an hour – 8

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ELLIOTT MOORE

A comfortable afternoon for United’s captain. Second-highest in the passing statistics, although most of them were under little pressure. Brought the ball out of defence well and kept Kelman quiet – 8

LUKE MCNALLY

Seemed to win absolutely everything in the air, which was important against Jackson’s long throws. Untroubled defensively and went close to scoring late on – 8

STEVE SEDDON

The ever-energetic Lloyd kept him honest and caused problems even when the contest was over. Outmuscled by the Gillingham man for the hosts’ first goal and lucky to escape a booking. Put in some strong tackles and a good outlet going forward – 7

CAMERON BRANNAGAN

A day he will never forget. Four successful penalties, each one more emphatic than the last. It was not just the four goals, though – the midfielder was at the centre of a lot of United’s best stuff. MAN OF THE MATCH – 10

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MARCUS MCGUANE

Another positive performance from the midfielder. Started the move for the first goal and Gillingham could not live with his strong running. Intelligent in possession and always looked forward – 8.5

MARK SYKES

Assisted Bodin’s goal and gave the hosts a lot to think about on that right flank. Worked hard throughout and again showed his energy with his tracking back after the break – 8

BILLY BODIN

He had not started successive league games since December 2019, but the forward seized his opportunity again. Lovely finish to get United up and running, while his assist for Taylor was a peach of a cross – 8.5

NATHAN HOLLAND

A real threat in the first half as Gillingham allowed him to get one-on-one with Jackson. Unlucky not to score after the break and was substituted shortly after - 8

MATTY TAYLOR

Won a penalty, scored and was only denied a second goal by a great save from Dahlberg. A luxury to bring him off after 55 minutes ahead of a big game on Tuesday – 8

WATCH: Highlights of yesterday's game

SUBSTITUTES

Sam Winnall (for Taylor, 56)

His dummy for Forde’s goal showed great awareness. The contest was over when he came on, but the striker was a useful defensive asset against Gillingham’s late flurry of corners – 7

Ryan Williams (for Holland, 60)

Energetic in his 30-minute cameo and a classy assist for the seventh goal – 7

Anthony Forde (for Bodin, 84)

Unused subs: Eastwood, Mousinho, Davis.

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