Oxford United bounced back from their dreadful defeat at Bolton with a 2-0 win over strugglers, Port Vale.
Goals from Ciaron Brown and Josh Murphy were enough to secure a vital three points for the U’s.
Here are three talking points from the game
Set Piece Goals
Both of Oxford’s goals came from corners, and both were relatively well-worked.
The first came on 16 minutes when Vale struggled to clear the ball but Brown was on hand to smash the ball into the back of the net.
The second was a thing of class from Murphy. The U’s played a short corner to the winger, who bent the ball towards the back post.
Oxford had further chances but they didn’t really need to get out of second gear at Vale Park.
Wingers
Once again, Murphy and Owen Dale were class from start to finish. The duo caused problems throughout and were the danger men.
Some fans are still questioning what Des Buckingham’s identity is, but effective and pacey wingers are clearly a key part of his plan.
Quick, direct and threatening, both players caused havoc throughout. There was also a ten-minute return from injury for Marcus Browne, and he looked lively, too.
Clean Sheet
A first clean sheet since a goalless draw at Wycombe and just a second in 21 games in all competitions.
Brown and Elliott Moore continued as the central partnership but there was a change in the full-back positions with Joe Bennett coming in for Greg Leigh and Sam Long in for Fin Stevens.
They were rarely threatened but they did the basics well and were worthy of the clean sheet.
