THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Des Buckingham lost his first game in charge of Oxford United, away at Cheltenham Town in Sky Bet League One.
JAMES BEADLE
Made a good save early on to deny Aidan Keena, but could do little about the goals – 6.5
FIN STEVENS
Began the game at right back and was pushed up to wing back in the second half with little impact – 6
STEPHAN NEGRU
Appeared rusty on his first league start since the beginning of September. Missed a couple of headers, crucially in the lead-up to the second goal – 5.5
JORDAN THORNILEY
Like Negru, he was shaky after a long spell watching from the bench. Beaten too easily by George Lloyd, who then poked the ball through for Will Goodwin to score the second goal of the afternoon. BOOKED – 5.5
CIARON BROWN
Somehow he ended up being United’s biggest threat for a short period, with a header and then low drive going close – 7
MARCUS MCGUANE
Failed to get the better of the midfield battle and couldn’t force himself into the game – 6
CAMERON BRANNAGAN
At times, he was a one-man band trying to make things happen. BOOKED. MAN OF THE MATCH – 7
STAN MILLS
Didn’t have much of an effect in the first half and was then taken off at the break as United switched shape – 5.5
RUBEN RODRIGUES
Missed a big chance at 1-0 and then picked up a silly second yellow card, leaving the referee little choice. SENT OFF – 5.5
BILLY BODIN
Like most of his teammates, he couldn’t make anything stick in the final third for United – 6
MARK HARRIS
No service into him up front, however he also lacked much of a threat to the Robins backline – 6
SUBSTITUTES
Josh Murphy (for Mills, 46)
A genuine bright spark after coming off the bench, looking like someone with a point to prove – 7
Kyle Edwards (for Stevens, 65)
His return from injury should be a huge boost to the squad – 6.5
Josh McEachran (for McGuane, 80)
Tyler Goodrham (for Bodin, 80)
Sonny Perkins (for Harris, 88)
Unused: Eastwood, Smyth.
Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.
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