THE Oxford Mail player ratings for Oxford United’s 1-0 defeat at Plymouth Argyle in Sky Bet League One.

SIMON EASTWOOD

Made a good save in the first half and was assertive in coming off his line. Apparently admitted himself that he could have done better with the goal, having got a hand to it – 6.5

SAM LONG

Positioning looked a little off in the first half, but otherwise did fine. Drove forward a couple of times and his cross for Joseph could not have been any better – 6.5

Read the match report here

STUART FINDLAY

Had a busy night from the kick-off, but he was often in the right place to snuff out Plymouth attacks. Still does not look completely comfortable in possession. BOOKED – 6

CIARON BROWN

Solid as ever, unlucky to see a decent block cannon back to Whittaker for the goal. Did not get many chances to utilise the long throw or threaten in the opposition box. BOOKED – 6.5

JAMES HENRY

Recovered from his injury scare in the warm-up and got in behind a few times in the first half. Did not have much to aim at in the penalty area, though. Quick thinking led to Joseph’s chance – 6

LEWIS BATE

Produced some neat bits of play without really affecting the game. A couple of first-half efforts did not trouble Cooper. Withdrawn for Browne in United’s first change – 5.5

READ MORE: Karl Robinson's assessment of Plymouth defeat

MARCUS MCGUANE

Excellent in the first half, regaining possession several times and refusing to lose it unless he was fouled. Less effective after the break but another good performance overall. MAN OF THE MATCH – 7

CAMERON BRANNAGAN

Quiet, by his standards. A few early diagonals did not come off and he was tidy in possession, without creating much. United need him to be on song – 5.5

STEVE SEDDON

Barely involved in an attacking sense, other than one driving run that presented Joseph with a half-chance. Beaten one-on-one a few times, although he tracked back well – 5

BILLY BODIN

Disappointing on his return. Had little impact on the game and sent a first-half effort high and wide, while one chance broke down when he lost control, unusually for him – 5

WATCH: Highlights of yesterday's game

KYLE JOSEPH

Worked hard and won a few flick-ons, but did not get much support. Nobody will be more frustrated than him at that miss – 5.5

SUBSTITUTES

Marcus Browne (for Bate, 68)

Did his best to influence the game, but it was tough at a time United’s threat was already waning – 6

Djavan Anderson (for Seddon, 75)

Good to see him out there. Still getting up to speed, though – 5

Tyler Goodrham (for Bodin, 82)

Slavi Spasov (for Henry, 82)

Unused: McGinty, Mousinho, Gorrin.

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