Oxford United began 2024 with an entertaining win on the road at Michael Appleton’s Charlton.
The U’s fell behind inside five minutes but a first league goal in over four months for Mark Harris and a first Oxford goal from Oisin Smyth sealed the win.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Line-Up and Formation
With several first-team players out injured, it was interesting to see how Des Buckingham would set out his team.
Maybe unsurprisingly, he switched to a back five with Joe Bennett and Fin Stevens as the wing backs but the surprise inclusion alongside Elliott Moore and Ciaron Brown was Oisin Smyth.
Josh McEachran and Marcus McGuane sat deep with Cameron Brannagan and Ruben Rodrigues offered a freer attacking role, behind Harris.
There was also a welcome return to the bench for Billy Bodin and Stanley Mills from injury, with the former getting some minutes.
Harris Goal
For Mark Harris to net his first league goal in over four months should be a huge confidence boost for the Welshman.
He often gets himself in the right place and his diagonal runs create spaces for other players. It’s clear in recent weeks he has become a scapegoat with the club showing inconsistent form.
But he took his goal brilliantly. Rodrigues played a splitting ball through the lines and Stevens saw a low cross expertly met by the onrushing Harris.
Oisin Smyth
The inclusion of Smyth, particularly at centre-back, was a real shock for most fans. However, with Jordan Thorniley picking up a back injury, Buckingham was forced into making a decision.
The midfielder has played as a right-back this season but this was his first foray into the middle of defence, and he more than held his own.
Not only that, but he took his first Oxford with real class. He edged forward and with no challenge coming in, decided to ping one towards goal from 30 yards, and it swerved into the top corner.
