Oxford United were punished for not finishing their chances as Karl Robinson’s side lost 3-1 at Gillingham.
The U’s had 75 per cent possession and over 30 attempts at the opposition goal, but managed to find the net just once, through Dan Agyei.
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Karl Robinson made two changes from the U’s last league game against Accrington two weeks ago. Josh Ruffels returned from injury at left-back with Sean Clare on the right, with Elliott Moore and Sam Long the central partnership with Rob Atkinson injured.
Liam Kelly sat behind a returning Cameron Brannagan and Anthony Forde in midfield, with another start for Agyei on the left. James Henry started on the right, with Matty Taylor leading the line.
There was also a return to the bench for Alex Rodriguez Gorrin while Sam Winnall was set for his first U’s appearance.
It was fairly even in the opening exchanges but the Gills scored two quickfire goals midway through the first half.
Firstly, former U’s winger Jordan Graham crossed for Vadaine Oliver to head home, before Jacob Mellis struck just four minutes later to put the hosts in control.
But from then, the tides turned and Oxford started to create more openings. Brannagan miss-hit his effort from close range before Jack Bonham denied Taylor.
Connor Ogilvie then cleared a Ruffels’ effort off the line before James could force the ball home.
Half time came while the U’s were on top but it didn’t take long to reduce the deficit. Ruffels delivered towards Taylor and, although he failed to control his header, the ball fell to Agyei to poke the ball home.
Despite the lead, Gillingham pushed to restore their two-goal advantage. Mellis fired wide before Eastwood expertly denied Josh Eccles. Graham then struck a free-kick over as the hosts began to grow back into the game.
But Oxford could have levelled. Forde’s delivery found Taylor but the striker headed the ball into the ground, rather than the back of the net.
It proved costly. Five minutes later and Gillingham restored their two-goal cushion. Ryan Jackson’s cross found Graham who converted calmly.
Ruffels was denied by Bonham again, before Henry dragged an effort wide. Winnall came on but the U’s were unable to find another goal.
It’s now three defeats from their opening four league games for Oxford as they welcome Crewe on Tuesday.
