Oxford United’s unbeaten run has been extended to six but it was another draw as they shared the spoils against Northampton.
The U’s took the lead twice but defensive errors allowed the visitors back into the game.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Stronger Side but Lack of Killer Instinct
For the first time in weeks, maybe even months, Oxford dominated a game. The U’s had plenty of possession, three times as many shots and several more passes than their opponents.
However, Oxford built too slowly in transition and when they did get forward, Northampton often had several players back in position.
Murphy gave the U’s the lead after just six minutes but then took their foot off the gas when they could, or probably should, have gone and added another one or two goals.
Similarly, when Goodwin netted his first U’s goal on 81 minutes, Oxford began to drop deep and it was only when they conceded another equaliser two minutes into stoppage time that they threw bodies forward again.
Northampton didn’t offer much and were quite happy to take the point, but Oxford gifted the visiting side two goals and dropped two points in the process.
Cameron Brannagan
With Marcus McGuane injured and Jay Matete rested to the bench, Cameron Brannagan was the literal heartbeat of the team in the defensive role.
In all fairness, he’s the heartbeat most weeks anyway, wherever he plays, but he was instrumental in moving the ball from the back to the front.
However, Oxford’s star man went in for a challenge 15 minutes into the second half and stayed down. He managed another ten minutes before being replaced.
Substitutes
Despite no Elliott Moore, Marcus McGuane, Tyler Burey or James Henry, Des Buckingham still had several key players on the bench.
The first change came when Tyler Goodrham replaced Joe Bennett, with Greg Leigh dropping back to the left back. Leigh did well in both positions but Goodrham struggled to get into the game.
Buckingham then made a triple change. Josh McEachran replaced Brannagan, who was unable to continue, Goodwin came in for Mark Harris who had a quiet night, and Owen Dale was on for Murphy, who managed 70 minutes.
McEachran did what he does well, protecting the back four, while Dale and Goodwin combined for what they thought was the winner and both looked lively.
Jay Matete replaced Billy Bodin with just under ten minutes remaining but was unable to help Oxford maintain their lead.
