THE Oxford Mail player ratings for Oxford United’s 2-1 defeat to MK Dons in Sky Bet League One.

SIMON EASTWOOD

Harsh to pin any blame on him for the opener, but the foul that conceded the penalty was needless as Grigg was going away from goal. Very little to deal with otherwise – 5

SAM LONG

Started well and made a couple of important covering tackles. Assertive on the ball, although the end product was not always there – 6

JOHN MOUSINHO

United’s standout player even before the goal. Always seemed to be in the right place to make the tackle or head away. Could not do much about Smith’s opener. MAN OF THE MATCH – 7

Read the match report here

STUART FINDLAY

Bit of a ‘nothing’ touch gave MK the ball in the build-up to their opener. Swept up well a couple of times, but did not offer much in possession. Substituted just after the hour mark – 4.5

JAMES HENRY

His determined run created the chance that ended with Browne and Brannagan hitting the woodwork. Faded in the second half, but could have had a late equaliser if the cross was better – 5.5

MARCUS BROWNE

Lively, but up and down. Struck the post when he should have scored, forced Cumming into a good save after the break and spurned United’s last chance when he overhit a cross for Henry – 6

MARCUS MCGUANE

Not as influential as he has been this season. Tidy in possession, but unable to drive forward as much as he would have liked – 5.5

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CAMERON BRANNAGAN

Another one who could have been more involved. Unlucky to hit the crossbar before the break and he had a lot of the ball, without doing too much damage – 5.5

CIARON BROWN

Wing back does not play to his strengths, although he sent in one excellent cross for Joseph. United could have used his aerial threat more – 5

KYLE JOSEPH

Regularly got in the right positions, but it would not fall for him. Missed a good chance in the first half and almost got on the end of Brown’s cross after the break. Did not have much to feed off – 5

BILLY BODIN

Very little impact, other than sending in a good free-kick that Joseph put over the top. Played up front and in behind, but did not affect the game much in either position – 4.5

WATCH: Highlights of yesterday's game

SUBSTITUTES

Lewis Bate (for Findlay, 64)

Claimed an assist and tidy in possession – 6

Tyler Goodrham (for Bodin, 64)

Positive running, without having much to show for it – 5.5

Gatlin O’Donkor (for Joseph, 78)

Unused: McGinty, Anderson, Seddon, Gorrin.

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