Oxford United’s winning run came to an end against promotion rivals, Lincoln.
The Imps netted the only goal of the game shortly after the restart with a controversial penalty.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Unchanged Side
Having stuffed fellow promotion rivals, Peterborough, last time out, it was unsurprising to see Des Buckingham stick with the same line-up, despite the return from injury of Cameron Brannagan.
Jamie Cumming started in goal behind a back four of Fin Stevens, Sam Long, Ciaron Brown and Greg Leigh.
Josh McEachran remained in the number six role behind Tyler Goodrham and Ruben Rodrigues, while the from three of Josh Murphy, Owen Dale and Mark Harris led the line.
Brannagan replaced James Henry on the bench and was the first substitution in the second half while Billy Bodin, Marcus Browne and Marcus McGuane all came on, although struggled to make an impact.
Lincoln Managed the Game Better
Having dropped five points behind the U’s following a defeat against Wigan, Lincoln needed the points more than Oxford to keep their top six hopes alive.
With that in mind, the visitors managed the game better of the course of the 90 minutes. They started brightly, created some good chances and nullified Oxford’s threat.
Once the goal came just after the restart, the Imps continued to frustrate the U’s and ground out the result, despite going down to ten men late on.
Wingers Ineffective
The main threat that Lincoln nullified was Oxford’s dangermen, the wingers.
Murphy constantly had defensive players around him and on the odd occasion he managed to get in behind, the Lincoln defence regrouped well and dealt with it. It was the same for Dale on the other flank, while Harris struggled to get into the game.
Oxford’s counter attacking style of play rarely happened, largely in part to the duo struggling to get going. The subs were also ineffective in the wide areas.
