THE Oxford Mail player ratings for Oxford United’s 1-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers in Sky Bet League One.
SIMON EASTWOOD
One flying save from Finley early on. You could argue he was slow off his line to challenge Collins in the build-up to the goal, but it looked like Seddon would cut out the ball over the top – 6
SAM LONG
Unlucky to see his early header bounce off the crossbar. Collins got the better of him a few times, while he and Moore were equally at fault for Loft’s late chance. Again, his distribution had to be better – 6
ELLIOTT MOORE
Three great tackles in the first half and often in the right place to stop crosses. Only frustration was that he got drawn into a battle with Marquis, which the forward arguably won. BOOKED – 6.5
STUART FINDLAY
Reasonably solid, especially when sweeping up behind Seddon. Looks like he is lacking confidence on the ball, which will hopefully come in time – 6.5
STEVE SEDDON
His positioning still needs work, causing Findlay to come across to left back. Did not do much else wrong but would have liked to see him whip in a few more crosses with that left foot. BOOKED – 6
MARCUS MCGUANE
United’s standout player of the season so far. Retained possession so well, using his strength and quick feet to relieve the pressure several times. Moved the ball neatly. MAN OF THE MATCH – 7.5
READ MORE: Karl Robinson says Oxford United's forward players 'need to do more'
CAMERON BRANNAGAN
A couple of long shots – one from halfway – did not trouble Belshaw. Fairly quiet again and snapped into a few tackles, earning a yellow card out of frustration at one point. BOOKED – 6
JAMES HENRY
Started brightly and delivered the corner that Long headed against the bar. Had to get his second-half header on target, at the very least, and was substituted shortly after – 6
MARCUS BROWNE
Like Henry, he began well before tailing off. Looked good in spells but felt like he could have been more direct when he was one-on-one with the full back – 6
BILLY BODIN
Disappointingly quiet. Got in a couple of times down the left in the first half, otherwise he had very little impact on the match– 5.5
MATTY TAYLOR
Again, he had barely anything to work with but delivered the best cross of the game for Henry. Shame he was substituted as it would have been good to see him partnered by Joseph – 5.5
WATCH: Highlights of yesterday's game
SUBSTITUTES
Kyle Joseph (for Taylor, 64)
Worked hard out of possession but for little reward. Did not release the ball quickly enough in a late attack when United had 3v2 – 6
Lewis Bate (for Henry, 64)
Neat and tidy in possession without being able to change the flow of the game – 6
Tyler Goodrham (for Bodin, 73)
Won the ball back to give Browne one half-chance. Tough one for him to affect – 5.5
Jodi Jones (for Seddon, 89)
Unused subs: McGinty, Brown, Gorrin.
Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.
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