THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United were held to a goalless draw away at Vanarama National League side Eastleigh in a pre-season friendly.
JAMES BEADLE
As expected, he looked composed with the ball at his feet and particularly in the first half, he was high up the field outside his penalty box acting as an extra outfield player. Had no saves of note to make – 6.5
SAM LONG
Solid defensively and sent one wicked cross in which narrowly avoided the head of Mark Harris – 7
ELLIOTT MOORE
A quiet evening at the back, with tougher tests to follow later this week – 6
JORDAN THORNILEY
Tried a few of his trademark balls over the top in the first half. His passing range will be a useful asset for the U’s this season – 6.5
CIARON BROWN
Swept up well and thankfully his withdrawal late on seems to be precautionary rather than anything else – 6.5
CAMERON BRANNAGAN
Saw one strike deflected over and smashed the crossbar with a free kick. Was full of energy and drive, treating the game like he would any other – 7.5
OISIN SMYTH
Neat and tidy on the ball, while providing a shield for the back four – 6
MARLEY WATKINS
Relatively quiet in the final third, but showed good signs of interplay with Long down the right-hand side – 6.5
RUBEN RODRIGUES
Always looked to get on the ball, whether from deep or in an advanced position. One smart through ball to Tyler Goodrham got the youngster in on goal – 7
TYLER GOODRHAM
Arguably had the biggest chance of the game when one-on-one, but despite seeing his effort saved, he was still full of energy and buzzed around the pitch constantly looking to make things happen. BOOKED. MAN OF THE MATCH – 7.5
MARK HARRIS
Had an early chance when he got in behind, but was denied by home goalkeeper Joe McDonnell. Played 45 minutes as he catches up with the rest of the squad – 6.5
“Marcus is okay, it was nothing major, just a little niggle he had in his back.”
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) July 19, 2023
Liam Manning provides an update on #oufc trio Marcus McGuane, Simon Eastwood and Ciaron Brownhttps://t.co/JRHtToP2fz pic.twitter.com/BPOezZ4MfH
SUBSTITUTES
Billy Bodin (for Harris, 46)
Played up front but wasn’t as involved as the side didn’t match first half levels. Had one arrowed shot from the centre of the penalty box saved – 6.5
George Franklin (for Long, 71)
Started at right back and then moved over to left back when Brown went off. Valuable game time for the Under-18s skipper – 6
Aidan Elliott-Wheeler (for Rodrigues, 71)
Looked bright down the left-hand side in his short cameo. Impresses with his braveness on the ball and by looking to drive forward – 6.5
Rashane Maxwell (for Brown, 79)
Zaide Took-Oxley (for Brannagan, 81)
Unused: Brearey, Bradney, Lacey.
Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.
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About the author
To sign up to Liam’s latest Oxford United newsletter for free, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/
Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.
Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.
His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.
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