Oxford United are now three games without a win after a 2-2 draw at home against Wycombe.
The U’s took the lead through Ruben Rodrigues but Wycombe converted from two controversial penalties to take the lead. However, Cameron Brannagan levelled the game in stoppage time also from 12 yards.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Several Wasted Chances
Despite a slow start, in which James Beadle was called upon to make an early save, Oxford did take the lead when Rodrigues finished off another slick move.
However, the U’s could and probably should have added to their advantage before Wycombe levelled the game.
Billy Bodin was played through but opted to try and find a teammate, Mark Harris was one-on-one but forced a save and Rodrigues saw a free kick sail over.
Even after the Chairboys equalised, Oxford continued to create opportunities in front of goal.
Rodrigues saw another attempt sail over, Marcus McGuane struck tamely when through on goal while Harris failed to make a decent connection from a header.
Referee and Controversial Decisions
Much of the post-match talk was on the referee, Sam Stockbridge. We all know the level of officiating at this level is poor and he was poor for both teams, but here are just a few incidents where the U’s were punished.
Firstly, both Wycombe penalties were soft but if it was the other way round then you would argue they should be given to Oxford.
However, the first came from a handball from McGuane although the U’s were denied a spot kick in the first half for a similar incident.
He also pulled the game back for an Oxford free kick when Harris was one-on-one and inside the box, so the advantage should have been played.
You could even argue that Oxford’s penalty was soft, but it felt that on the balance of the game, it was a decisive decision.
Finally, and this came after Wycombe was awarded their second spot kick, Liam Manning was sent off. This is arguably one of the calmest managers in the Football League!
Substitutions
Tyler Goodrham and Cameron Brannagan came on for Billy Bodin and Josh McEachran before Stan Mills and Josh Murphy replaced Rodrigues and Fin Stevens.
Brannagan, who has missed the last two games through illness, still didn’t look 100 per cent but was willing to battle, while Goodrham looked to have a bit more about him.
Unfortunately, Mills and Murphy were unable to get out wide, stretch the game and create further chances, which is what the U’s needed late on.
