THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United picked up their fourth consecutive draw under Liam Manning with a goalless affair at Port Vale.
SIMON EASTWOOD
Made three big saves in the second half, with a sprawling stop to thwart a Tom Conlon effort the pick of the bunch. MAN OF THE MATCH – 8
SAM LONG
Didn’t offer much in an attacking sense but held his ground well and played an important part in keeping the clean sheet – 7
STEPHAN NEGRU
Impressed on his first U’s start and played like a seasoned professional. Took a blow to the face late on, which left him bloodied and Dennis Politic with a straight red card – 7.5
STUART FINDLAY
Organised the defence well in the absence of Elliott Moore and was a calming presence in support of Negru – 7.5
CIARON BROWN
A couple of good blocks and interceptions typified another solid display at the back – 7
MARCUS MCGUANE
Gave the ball away unnecessarily at times and was one who seemed to get dragged into what often became a gritty clash. BOOKED – 6
CAMERON BRANNAGAN
Performed well defensively with tracking back and making interceptions, while looked more of a threat going forward as the game went on – 7
KYLE JOSEPH
Saw one effort cleared away near the line but otherwise struggled to get involved. BOOKED – 6
MARCUS BROWNE
Saw one shot sail over and another saved at the near post but wasn’t as dangerous in the final third as he has been in recent weeks – 7
JOSH MURPHY
Started brightly but faded soon after that as first half lacked any sting at either end – 6
GATLIN O’DONKOR
Left with very little to feed off and only had one real sight of goal but was denied at the near post – 6
SUBSTITUTES
Yanic Wildschut (for Browne, 62)
Made one strong run down the left but otherwise wasn’t able to help his teammates in the final third – 6
Brandon Fleming (for Murphy, 71)
Came on and looked bright, offering a bit of pace down the left channel – 6
Tyler Smith (for Negru, 90+7)
Unused subs: McGinty, Golding, Smyth, Goodrham.
Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.
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