THE Oxford Mail player ratings for Oxford United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup second round.

ED MCGINTY

His botched clearance and booking early on showed his decision-making still needs work. Distribution ranged from excellent to exasperating and flapped at a couple of crosses. BOOKED – 5.5

SAM LONG

No-nonsense display from the defender in a position that suits him. Some key tackles and clearances, occasionally brought the ball out from the back. BOOKED – 7

Read the match report

JOHN MOUSINHO

The club captain showed he is still worth a squad place for nights like this. Kept Mateta in his pocket all evening, just a shame he was drawn into a foot race for the opening goal. MAN OF THE MATCH – 8

CIARON BROWN

Never lets United down. Super solid on the left of the back three and dominant in the air. Contributed a few times going forward, including one first-half backheel – 7.5

JOSH JOHNSON

Without a doubt his best performance in a United shirt. Impressed out of possession with his positioning and a few well-timed slide tackles. Saw less of the ball than his teammates, but kept things simple. BOOKED – 7.5

READ MORE: Karl Robinson proud of Oxford United - but 'disappointed' at key decision

JAMES GOLDING

Pushed high and gave fellow teenager Rodney a tough time on United’s right. His positivity helped fashion a couple of chances, while there were some important defensive contributions too – 7.5

LEWIS BATE

Classy first-half performance where he always seemed to make the right choice. Linked well with Johnson and Brannagan. Quieter after the break when United saw much less of the ball. BOOKED – 7

CAMERON BRANNAGAN

The formation allowed him to be more positive and he made it count. Excellent before the break, although he could have passed to Seddon instead of shooting on the stroke of half-time. BOOKED – 8

READ MORE: Crystal Palace boss says Oxford United were better side in first half

STEVE SEDDON

Wing back plays to his strengths, enabling him to get forward without leaving gaps behind him. Sent in a great cross for O’Donkor and did his bit defensively – 7.5

BILLY BODIN

Showed some nice touches in the first half, his movement is sometimes underappreciated too. Gave Guehi something to think about without registering a shot on goal – 6.5

GATLIN O’DONKOR

A difficult opponent for his first start, but he held the ball up well and looked bright in spells. Just needed that extra bit of quality with his header and cut-back to Bodin before the break – 7

WATCH: Highlights of last night's game

SUBSTITUTES

Matty Taylor (for O’Donkor, 63)

One difficult chance and linked the play well – 6

Kyle Joseph (for Bodin, 63)

Saw very little of the ball, but ran around a lot – 6

Oisin Smyth (for Johnson, 63)

Good to see him finally make his debut. Got stuck in. BOOKED – 6

Slavi Spasov (for Bate, 70)

Difficult time to come on and barely got a touch – 5

Tyler Goodrham (for Mousinho, 77)

Unused: Eastwood, Findlay, Sade, Jones.

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