THE Oxford Mail player ratings for Oxford United's 1-0 defeat at Derby County on the opening day of the Sky Bet League One season.

SIMON EASTWOOD

Made a great save from Mendez-Laing after having very little to do in the first half. A couple of good punches under pressure but sometimes shaky in possession - 7

SAM LONG

Kept Barkhuizen quiet and won some important headers. Got forward well, although his final ball was sometimes lacking - 7

Read the match report here

ELLIOTT MOORE

Barely gave Collins a sniff in a very accomplished defensive display. Very good in possession, too, with his raking diagonal passes to Bodin creating two decent chances - 7.5

STUART FINDLAY

Barely put a foot wrong on debut so it was a shame the winning goal came from his misplaced pass. A great asset in the air and one outstanding tackle on Mendez-Laing - 7.5

STEVE SEDDON

Derby targeted his flank and he had to deal with right-back Knight as well as Mendez-Laing. Sometimes caught out of position, a couple of forays forward. BOOKED - 6.5

READ: Reaction from Karl Robinson

CAMERON BRANNAGAN

U's fans chanted his name all afternoon but he was less effective than he can be - perhaps it was to be expected after the last few days. One brilliant block off the line - 6

MARCUS MCGUANE

His best performance in the holding role by some distance. Disciplined and strong in the tackle, but also used the ball well. MAN OF THE MATCH - 7.5

JAMES HENRY

Could have done better with one first-half chance, drifted in and out of the game. Felt like the right time to bring him off - 6

WATCH: Highlights of yesterday's game

MARCUS BROWNE

Looked dangerous, especially before the break as United edged the first half. Got a bit frustrated and earned a yellow card for one late lunge. BOOKED - 7

BILLY BODIN

Some classy touches before the break, including one gorgeous flick to set up Taylor. Less effective in the second period but forced Wildsmith into a great save - 7

MATTY TAYLOR

Unable to get the ball out of his feet quickly enough when put through by Bodin and did not get another clear chance. Looked isolated up front - 6

GALLERY: Pictures of Oxford United fans at Derby

SUBSTITUTES

Alex Gorrin (for Henry, 73)

Still getting up to speed, out of position for the Derby winner - 5

Josh Murphy (for Bodin, 73)

Did not get much of a look-in other than one good run - 5

Ciaron Brown (for Seddon, 90+7)

Unused: Stevens, Golding, Goodrham, O’Donkor.

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