THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United won their first game following Liam Manning’s departure, with a 5-0 victory at home to Chelsea Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.
JAMES BEADLE
Made one early save with his feet, but he was otherwise virtually a spectator – 6.5
FIN STEVENS
Played a slightly more defensive role at full back rather than wing back, but performed well – 7
STEPHAN NEGRU
Threatened from set pieces and enjoyed a relatively quiet night at the back – 7
JORDAN THORNILEY
Scrambled home the second goal of the evening and was assured throughout. BOOKED – 7.5
CIARON BROWN
Another who caused problems from corners and was a solid presence at left back – 7.5
ALEX GORRIN
The midfielder broke up play and was regularly willing to press and win the ball back – 7
OISIN SMYTH
Helped dominate the midfield battle and kept things simple when he had the ball – 6.5
“I know he was filled with a lot of indecision and it was a hard decision for him. He took a long time to make it.”
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) November 8, 2023
Interim boss Craig Short says Liam Manning was ‘filled with a lot of indecision’ upon leaving #oufc https://t.co/yKAoEBSpd0
JAMES HENRY
Managed 45 minutes in his first appearance of the season, with his delivery from corners causing all sorts of problems – 7
SONNY PERKINS
Opened the scoring with a simple tap-in and had a couple of efforts go narrowly off target – 7.5
JOSH MURPHY
The winger was quite simply too quick and strong for the Chelsea youngsters. He took his two goals brilliantly and was a creative spark for the U’s. MAN OF THE MATCH – 8
GATLIN O’DONKOR
Worked hard for the team up front and muscled his way past defenders with ease. He led the line in a professional manner – 7.5
SUBSTITUTES
Tyler Goodrham (for Henry, 46)
Flashed an effort wide and was busy in the final third after coming on at half-time – 7
Ruben Rodrigues (for O’Donkor, 65)
Came on with the game in control and helped the side push on to get three more goals – 7
Mark Harris (for Perkins, 65)
Looked sharp and rounded off the scoring by smashing an effort off the underside of the crossbar – 7.5
Josh McEachran (for Gorrin, 70)
Added fresh legs and stability to the engine room against the side he used to play for – 6.5
Leo Snowden (for Stevens, 83)
Unused subs: Marriott, Moore.
Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.
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