THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United were beaten at Northampton Town in their final away game of 2023.

JAMES BEADLE

Stopped a couple of shots straight at him, however question marks over whether he could’ve done better for the goals conceded. He was at full stretch for the first, but the ball snuck in within range, while he seemed to be beaten too easily for the winner – 5.5

FIN STEVENS

Made a handful of important interceptions, however Sam Hoskins had the better of him in most of their one-on-one duels – 5.5

ELLIOTT MOORE

Lost out in the air for the opening goal, and struggled at times with the threat posed by Kieron Bowie up front for the Cobblers – 5

CIARON BROWN

Was behind Tyreece Simpson when he netted the late winner, and was sloppy in possession at times, particularly in the first half. BOOKED – 4.5

JOE BENNETT

Like Stevens, he never got on top of the battle with his winger, as Mitch Pinnock enjoyed the better afternoon than Bennett – 5.5

Read our match report here

RUBEN RODRIGUES

His frustration threatened to rise to the surface at times, but he managed to keep a lid on it. Couldn’t make things happen in the final third – 5.5

MARCUS MCGUANE

Brilliantly tracked back to break up a counter-attack with the score at 1-0, however he arguably needed to do better at closing the cross down for the opener – 5.5

CAMERON BRANNAGAN

His penalty never looked in doubt, but otherwise, he was limited to efforts from range which never troubled the goalkeeper – 6

STAN MILLS

Won the penalty to get U’s back in it, however it was the only thing he could offer his teammates in the final third – 6

MARK HARRIS

Had very few touches inside Cobblers territory on another frustrating afternoon for the striker – 5.5

JOSH MURPHY

Should’ve done better with effort on the counter-attack just before quarter of an hour mark, but he was the only player to emerge with credit from the game due to some dangerous runs down the left. Taken off at half-time as a precaution. MAN OF THE MATCH – 6.5

SUBSTITUTES

Tyler Goodrham (for Murphy, 46)

Was busy trying to make things happen during the opening section of the second half, but faded when Cobblers got on top – 6

James Henry (for Mills, 70)

Couldn’t get into the game, largely due to the home side being the dominant one – 5

Gatlin O’Donkor (for Harris, 80)

Oisin Smyth (for Rodrigues, 90+1)

Unused: Eastwood, Thorniley, McEachran.

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