Oxford United ended the 2021/22 season with a 1-1 draw against Doncaster Rovers, who themselves suffered relegation to League Two.
The U’s took the lead when Billy Bodin chested home from on the goal line but the U’s conceded from a long-range effort.
Despite coming up against a team at the wrong end of the table, it was a frustrating afternoon for the U’s.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Lineup and Formation
In the week, Karl Robinson stated that the starting line-up would consist of players that would be at the club next season.
Elliott Moore was absent after his wife went into labour, Herbie Kane was injured and loanees Ciaron Brown, Nathan Holland and Gavin Whyte all started on the bench. The most noticeable absentee was Mark Sykes with the midfielder, who has been linked with a move away, left out of the squad entirely.
Jack Stevens remained in goal as Robinson opted for a 3-5-2 formation again. With Moore and Brown not starting, Sam Long and Luke McNally were partnered by youngster James Golding in defence, who was making his full senior debut.
Steve Seddon featured for the first time since mid-March along with Ryan Williams as the other wing-back.
Making his 150th Oxford start, Cameron Brannagan, who has also been linked with a move away, sat alongside Marcus McGuane in midfield with Bodin just ahead. Marcus Browne made his first home start of the season alongside top-scorer Matty Taylor.
Long-Range Goal
While Oxford’s goal may have been somewhat fortuitous, Doncaster’s was one of excellence, although it struck a recurring tone to a similar talking point throughout the season.
A corner was played short and a low strike from the edge of the box beat Stevens, who will be frustrated at having been beaten from range.
Not only did Oxford fail to deal with the set-piece, but they also allowed the attacker too much space and time from range to fire home.
Proud History, Bright Future
While the season may have ended unceremoniously, it was good to see two of Oxford’s youngsters with a chance.
Golding put on a mature display. The young defender looked comfortable on the ball and was relatively sound defensively. There was one moment of misjudgement when his clearance was almost turned into his own net, but Stevens tipped it away.
At the other end, he could have netted a late winner when he met Bodin’s corner, but his volley was cleared off the line.
Gatlin O’Donkor also made his league debut off the bench. The youngster has impressed for the youth team this season and many fans would have been happy to see him in action.
