Oxford United picked up their first win in five with a late winner at home against Cheltenham.
Josh Murphy gave the U’s the lead just before half time but Oxford once again squandered their lead. However, Greg Leigh was on hand to head home a late winner.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Team Selection
Despite losing last time out against league leaders Portsmouth, it was arguably one of the best performances of an Oxford side since Des Buckingham took charge.
And with that in mind, the head coach kept the same starting line-up, as well as the options on the bench.
Jamie Cumming started in goal with a back four of Leigh, Ciaron Brown, Elliott Moore and Fin Stevens.
Cameron Brannagan and Marcus McGuane were the central duo with Ruben Rodrigues just ahead, and Murphy and Owen Dale as the wingers. Mark Harris led the line.
Sam Long was available after missing last week through illness but wasn’t selected, while Tyler Burey was once again omitted from the matchday squad, despite Tyler Goodrham also missing through injury.
Foot Off the Gas After Taking the Lead
Not for the first time this season, Oxford took the lead and were worthy of their half-time advantage.
However, after the restart, the whole team began to drop deeper which allowed Cheltenham a way back into the game. As it happened, they found the leveller.
But unlike recent weeks, the U’s managed to regroup and find the winner.
Ground Out the Result
Following on from the last point, it wasn’t a fantastic performance from Oxford but they probably did enough to earn all three points.
Last week against Pompey, they were unfortunate not to get anything from the game but against the Robins, there was a determination to find something despite not putting in as strong a performance as when on the south coast.
