Oxford United secured their first win in three with a 3-1 victory at home to Rochdale.
Elliott Moore opened the scoring for the U’s before Matty Lund levelled from the sot before the break. But second-half goals from Mide Shodipo and a second from Moore sealed the win for Karl Robinson’s side.
Your #oufc XI tonight: pic.twitter.com/XrSQSHiKip
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) November 3, 2020
Robinson made two changes from the side that lost at Fleetwood last time out with Marcus McGuane and Dan Agyei coming in for Liam Kelly and Shodipo.
The back five remained unchanged with Simon Eastwood in goal behind Josh Ruffels, Sam Long, Moore and Sean Clare.
Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, who was making his 50th Oxford appearance, was the holding midfielder behind Anthony Forde and James Henry while McGuane and Agyei started as the wide men. Matty Taylor began upfront with Sam Winnall making a return to the bench.
The game started slowly with neither side creating any meaningful chances. The visitors created the first opportunity after 20 minutes when Alex Newby raced on to a through ball from Lund before laying the ball back for Ollie Rathbone, but the midfielder saw his effort blocked by Moore.
Agyei and McGuane looked lively on the wings and it was the former Burnley striker that was involved in the U’s opener. He won a free-kick and, although Rochdale cleared Forde’s delivery, the ball came back in from Henry and Moore fired home through a crowded box.
But moments later, the goalscorer was nearly at fault at the other end. His failed header allowed Newby though but Moore recovered well to get the block in.
Dale pushed for an equaliser and it came in controversial circumstances just before the break. Lund struck from range with the ball hitting Long’s arm and, although the defenders’ arms were down, the referee pointed to the spot. Lund stepped up and sent Eastwood the wrong way.
Oxford were knocked by the goal and the visitors started the second half the stronger. Eastwood fumbled an effort by Jimmy Ryan but, fortunately for Oxford, Jake Beesley turned the rebound wide from just six yards out.
It proved costly as moments later, Oxford regained their lead. McGuane’s low cross was turned home by substitute Shodipo for his second goal of the season.
Mark Sykes, also on as a substitute, could have made it three but Gavin Buzunu denied the winger. It didn’t matter though as Moore turned home a header from Forde’s corner kick.
The U’s welcome Peterborough United in the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday but the win lifts them up to 21st in the table.
