Oxford United have fallen to fifth in League One after a stoppage-time goal saw the U’s lose at Northampton.
Cobblers took the lead just five minutes after the restart but Cameron Brannagan equalised from the penalty spot. However, former U’s striker Danny Hylton won a free kick six minutes into stoppage time and Tyreece Simpson headed home a winner.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Line-Up and Formation
After a comfortable victory over Burton last time out, Des Buckingham named an unchanged side.
James Beadle began in goal with a back four of Joe Bennett, Ciaron Brown, Elliott Moore and Fin Stevens.
Brannagan and Marcus McGuane were the midfield duo with Josh Murphy, Ruben Rodrigues and Stanley Mille the attacking trio behind Mark Harris.
Lost Midfield Battle and Few Chances Created
After an entertaining first half in which both teams went at it, it was Northampton that dominated the ball in the middle of the park.
Both sides created chances and both goalkeepers were forced into making saves in the opening 45 minutes, but the hosts controlled the game.
That stayed true after the restart when Cobblers took the lead but once Oxford levelled from the spot after a direct run from Mills, the U’s started to get hold of the ball more.
However, the threat of Brannagan, McGuane and Rodrigues was nullified in part to Northampton’s organisation.
In attack, Harris was once again a lone figure and the wingers were unable to cause the hosts any kind of problems, other than Mills’ run for the penalty.
Substitutes
Ultimately, the changes made the difference in the game, or lack thereof for Oxford. Murphy was replaced by Tyler Goodrham and Mills by James Henry and while they looked a threat, they weren’t as effective as the formers.
The final changes saw Gatlin O’Donkor come on but yet again he was ineffective before Oisin Smyth saw out the game in the final few minutes.
The Cobblers’ changes helped make the difference for the hosts, with Hylton winning the free kick and Simpson heading home the late winner.
Of course, Buckingham has several key players out injured but the result and lack of options off the bench highlights the lack of depth in key areas.
