THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United sealed their place in the last 16 of the EFL Trophy thanks to a 1-0 win at Forest Green Rovers.

SIMON EASTWOOD

Skipper for the night and made a crucial save in the second half, by making himself big to thwart the onrushing Tyrese Omotoye – 7.5

OISIN SMYTH

Played in an unusual right back role, but didn’t put a foot wrong. Made a superb goal line clearance to hook away a Charlie McCann shot in the first half – 8

STEPHAN NEGRU

Solid at the back, but worryingly was forced off late on as the U’s saw out the closing stages with 10 men having already made all their substitutes. BOOKED – 7

JORDAN THORNILEY

Played a couple of his trademark raking crossfield passes to get United up the pitch in the first half, and made some important blocks – 7.5

JOE BENNETT

Caught the eye on his debut, offering defensive solidity and an option higher up the pitch. Encouraging performance – 7.5

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ALEX GORRIN

Completed 90 minutes for the first time in more than a year, and covered every blade of grass. He was also adventurous with his passing and tried to make things happen. BOOKED – 7.5

JOSH MCEACHRAN

Got stuck in defensively and looked to set up attacks with through balls from deep – 7

TYLER GOODRHAM

His goal proved to be the winner, capping off a good night for the 20-year-old, who was busy and carried the ball extremely well – 8

RUBEN RODRIGUES

Looked a class above at times with some excellent touches and clever passing – 7.5

JAMES HENRY

Started on the left and withdrawn at half-time, as he continues to build up minutes – 6.5

GATLIN O’DONKOR

Had a couple of sights of goal, but shots were either blocked or off target – 7

Oxford Mail:

SUBSTITUTES

Josh Murphy (for Henry, 46)

Had an instant impact when he came on, putting his electric pace to good use by getting down the left and causing havoc. His cross led to Goodrham’s all-important goal. MAN OF THE MATCH – 8.5

Fin Stevens (for Bennett, 62)

Came on at left back and then moved to right wing back when U’s switched to a back three. Remained unflustered – 7

Elliott Moore (for McEachran, 71)

Slotted in at the heart of the back three to help United see the game out – 6.5

Mark Harris (for O’Donkor 71)

Chances were becoming rarer for the U’s by the time he came on, but he led the press well from the front – 6.5

Stan Mills (for Goodrham, 86)

Unused: Beadle, Golding.

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