Oxford United recorded back-to-back wins with a 2-1 victory over promotion rivals Derby.
The U’s looked comfortable and led the game thanks to a Mark Harris brace, but it was a nervy end with the Rams reducing the deficit late on.
Here are three talking points from the game:
Line-Up
Liam Manning made two changes from the side that beat Carlisle last time out with Marcus McGuane replacing Josh McEachran in midfield and Tyler Goodrham coming in for Ruben Rodrigues.
Both players come in and put in a terrific performance at Pride Park, helped by the rest of the team. Mark Harris, which we will get to shortly, looked lively, Billy Bodin looked sharp and Cameron Brannagan put in his best performance of the season.
At the back, Stephan Negru once again looked experienced while Sam Long at right back also looked confident. James Beadle in goal looked nervy at times but did make a couple of crucial saves.
Mark Harris
We said last week that for a striker to open their account early on was important for confidence and that showed against the Rams.
Mark Harris took both of his goals with real class. Firstly, Brannagan played the ball into him to the right and he smashed the ball into the back of the net. The second may have been better with the Welshman curling home a well-worked team effort into the bottom corner.
That’s now three goals in three league games for the summer signing.
Committed Defending
Derby had 15 corners in the game and several free kicks in dangerous positions but Oxford’s defence was determined and resolute.
Negru was a rock at the back and Elliott Moore headed everything that came into the box away.
The defence, and midfield, threw their bodies on the line at crucial moments and were worthy of the three points.
