Oxford United returned from the international break and recorded a brilliant 3-0 win on the road at Fleetwood.
Goals from Stanley Mills, Billy Bodin and Kyle Edwards secured the win for the U’s.
Here are three talking points from the game:
Team Selection
With several injuries and suspensions, the starting lineup was a hot topic ahead of kick-off but the early conversations weren’t so much about who came in, but who missed out.
James Beadle continued in goal with Elliott Moore the mainstay in defence but there was a surprise inclusion of Jordan Thorniley, who came in for the in-form Stephan Negru. Sam Long replaced Fin Stevens at right-back while Ciaron Brown was ruled fit to play on the left.
The midfield three was fairly unsurprising with Cameron Brannagan and Marcus McGuane behind Ruben Rodrigues. The wingers were also fairly easy picks with Edwards and Mills, but there were question marks over the inclusion of Bodin up top with Sonny Perkins on the bench.
However, taking Negru out of the lineup will keep him grounded while Bodin up top gave a youthful attack some vital experience.
Goals Goals Goals
And what a selection of goals it was! First, Mills cut inside from the right-hand side and bent one into the top corner with his left foot.
Bodin took his goal well, hitting a half-volley into the bottom corner after a free kick wasn’t properly cleared.
And the third was very similar to the opener, it Edwards cutting in from the left and bending one into the far top corner.
The U’s took their chances well and it was a disciplined display.
Clean Sheet
The icing on the cake came as Oxford secured a first clean sheet since their win over Carlisle.
It will also give confidence to Thorniley alongside Moore after some fans wanted to see Negru in the backline and the clean sheet will give Liam Manning another selection headache.
Other than Fleetwood hitting the woodwork twice, they didn’t create much and the backline looked comfortable.
