The U's Matchzone

Three Talking Points as Oxford Draw Against Gillingham

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Oxford United remain unbeaten at home but will be disappointed not to have taken all three points against Gillingham after drawing the match 1-1.

The U’s took the lead through Matty Taylor but former Oxford midfielder Alex MacDonald levelled before the break. Here are three talking points from the game.

Possession and Chances

A recurring theme, Oxford United dominated possession and created far more chances on goal than their opponents but were unable to find a winner.

Karl Robinson’s side ended the game with 73 per cent possession and had seven shots on target from 25 attempts. The Gills managed just four on target from seven efforts.

While the U’s took a deserved lead, numerous chances went away. Taylor also struck the bar, James Henry saw an effort blocked and Cameron Brannagan was twice denied by Jamie Cumming.

Steve Seddon saw an effort go wide and Elliott Moore was also denied by Cumming before Gavin Whyte skied the ball from inside the six-yard box as the U’s pushed for the winner.

Penalty Appeal

Not for the first time this season, claims of a late penalty appeal were waved away by referee, Darren Drysdale.

Mark Sykes was played into the box but was eased off by the defender with the referee allowing the game to continue.

Herbie Kane

The summer signing struggled on his debut at Cheltenham last time out but showed glimpses of his capabilities against Gillingham.

His assist for Taylor’s goal was well worked, picking the ball up inside his own half before lifting it forward for the striker to run on to.

His influence on the game, alongside Brannagan in the middle of the park, grew as the game went on and was named man of the match.

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