Not for the first time in recent seasons, Oxford United played out a goalless draw on the road against Ipswich Town.
In a tale of two halves, both sides will probably be satisfied with a point and a share of the spoils. Here are three talking points from the game.
Losing Gorrin
Having lost Alex Rodriguez Gorrin with an ACL injury in the week, facing a team such as Ipswich on the road could have been a daunting task without their ‘enforcer’. However, a midfield three of Herbie Kane, Cameron Brannagan and James Henry looked solid both defensively and offensively.
Of course, there will be matches in the coming months that not having Gorrin protecting the back four will show but the U’s more than held their own at Portman Road.
Clean Sheet
Another positive was that the U’s secured a clean sheet, particularly with in-form forward Macauley Bonne on the field. The shutout was a first in six in all competitions and a first on the road all season.
Ahead of matches at Wigan and a home clash against Rotherham, keeping a clean sheet against the league’s highest-scoring side will be a huge confidence boost for the back four.
Game of Two Halves
Although Oxford kept a clean sheet, there was frustration from both sides with the game being a tale of two halves.
In the first 45, Mark Sykes, Henry and Jordan Thorniley all had efforts at Christian Walton’s goal. Despite Ipswich striking the woodwork twice in the first half, the U’s would have been more than happy with their efforts.
However, chances were few and far between after the restart and Oxford’s gameplan was that of a side that was happy to settle for a point.
