Oxford United and league leaders Peterborough United played out a goalless draw on Tuesday night. Both sides created several chances to win but would equally be happy with a point.
One sour note for the U’s was further injury concerns as Elliot Lee and Sam Long both went off either side of half time.
Here’s how #oufc start tonight’s game: pic.twitter.com/hZK6y47B96
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) March 2, 2021
Karl Robinson made just one change from Saturday’s draw at MK Dons with Mark Sykes replacing Mide Shodipo.
Jack Stevens began in goal behind a back four Josh Ruffels, Rob Atkinson, Elliott Moore and Long.
Robinson reverted back to his usual formation with Alex Rodriguez Gorrin as the only holding midfielder, which meant Lee dropped into midfield alongside Cameron Brannagan. Sykes and Brandon Barker were the wingers while Matty Taylor began up top.
Peterborough, who headed into the game on a run of six straight wins, started brightly and full of confidence.
Despite the positive start from the visitors, it was the hosts that created the opening chance. Lee played the ball to Sykes but the midfielders cross was deflected into the arms of goalkeeper Christy Pym with Taylor lurking.
Oxford were happy to throw their bodies on the line when the leagues second-highest scoring side launched forward. One occasion where a defensive block wasn’t enough came midway through the first half as top scorer Jonson Clarke-Harris forced Stevens into a save.
Just before the break, Luton loanee Lee went known holding his knee. Anthony Forde came on while Sykes moved into the middle.
The second half had a similar feel to the first with Oxford looking comfortable on the ball but Posh looking threatening on the counter.
But it got worse for the U’s when Long went down 12 minutes into the second half holding his hamstring. Siriki Dembélé had beaten the defender for pace but his pullback to Clarke-Harris was fired over.
Jamie Hanson replaced long at right-back and Posh looked for the opener shortly after. Dembele caught onto a through ball but his effort struck the post with Stevens beaten.
Despite the enforced changes, Oxford created some meaningful opportunities. Pym denied Taylor’s effort before Ruffels saw an attempt sail just wide. Moments later, Barker bypassed the Posh defence but his deflected effort sailed into the arms of Pym.
Stevens denied Clarke-Harris again late on as the U’s halted Peterborough’s winning run. The point, however, means the U’s are now six points off the playoffs and have dropped to tenth.
