THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United were knocked out of the EFL Trophy after being beaten 2-0 at AFC Wimbledon.
SIMON EASTWOOD
Made a couple of stops, but distribution was at times sloppy and he ended the night with a red card after bringing down Harry Pell outside the box – 4.5
OISIN SMYTH
Quickly beginning United’s jack of all trades, with the midfielder playing at right back and centre half this season. Can now add goalkeeper to that list after filling in when Eastwood was sent off and all the substitutes had been made – 5.5
JORDAN THORNILEY
Stood off James Tilley when he raced through for the first goal, allowing the Dons attacker to get his shot away and find the net – 4.5
JAMES GOLDING
First U’s appearance since October 2022. Was taken off at half-time, as one of three changes made at the break, to allow switch in shape – 5
FIN STEVENS
Tough night where things just didn’t go his way. Miscued a couple of crosses, to the amusement of the home fans – 4.5
JOSH MCEACHRAN
Too slow in possession at times, which stopped United getting the ball into the final third during potentially dangerous moments – 5
CAMERON BRANNAGAN
Was denied by Nik Tzanev early on, and was another of the players to come off at half-time, although it’s understood he was only due to play 45 minutes anyway – 5
JOE BENNETT
Sent in a good cross for James Henry and made a clearance at the back post to deny Tilley a hat-trick. Solid evening compared to many of his teammates – 6
Des Buckingham says the league was always Oxford United’s priority after watching his side exit the EFL Trophy at the last 16 stage #oufc https://t.co/o3WvISnKPv
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) January 10, 2024
JAMES HENRY
Had three glimpses of goal, but only came close with one, when Tzanev tipped an effort over – 5
MARK HARRIS
Had one chance towards the end of the first half, but hit it straight at the goalkeeper. Was the third player to come off at half-time, in another pre-planned switch – 5
TYLER GOODRHAM
Saw a couple of efforts go just wide, and was busy throughout. Looked the most likely player to bring U’s back into the game. MAN OF THE MATCH – 6
SUBSTITUTES
Max Woltman (for Golding, 46)
Showed some bright touches in the final third in what was just his third appearance for the club – 5.5
Marcus McGuane (for Brannagan, 46)
Looked to try and take control of the game, and had a couple of shooting opportunities go off target – 5.5
Gatlin O’Donkor (for Harris, 46)
Made his presence known but didn’t have a telling impact in the penalty box – 5
Richard McIntyre (for Bennett, 62)
A solid debut, and played one ball across the box which was begging to be put away, but nobody was there to apply the finish – 5.5
Aidan Elliott-Wheeler (for Goodrham, 84)
Unused: McGinty, Took-Oxley.
Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.
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