- Oxford United suffered a fourth straight defeat with a 1-0 loss at home against Shrewsbury.
The U’s had several early chances but were once again undone by a second-half strike, without reply.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Line-Up
There was mixed reaction to how Oxford lined up against the Shrews, but a positive to take was that everyone was actually playing in their correct position.
Simon Eastwood started in goal behind a back four of Brandon Fleming, Ciaron Brown, Elliott Moore and Sam Long, despite calls from supporters to play a back five.
Marcus McGuane and Lewis Bate began in the middle with Billy Bodin playing as a ten – arguably his strongest position – but he was replaced in the first half through injury.
Yanic Wildschut and Tyler Goodrham were handed starts on the wings with Kyle Joseph leading the line.
Another Bright Start But No End Product
Without sounding like a broken record, it was yet another bright start for the U’s with several early chances created. But, once again, Oxford failed to make them count.
Goodrham played in Bodin but he saw an effort saved, Joseph had an attempt blocked and Fleming witnessed a free kick parried.
Also inside the opening 20 minutes, McGuane saw an attempt saved before Brown’s follow-up looked to hit a hand in the box – but no penalty was awarded. Moments later, Joseph hit the post and it looked as though the chances had been and gone.
Looking Down Rather Than Up
Despite the previous three defeats, Oxford were still closer to the top six than the bottom four but the loss against the Shrews leaves them looking over their shoulder.
Now, the U’s find themselves 12 points behind Barnsley in sixth and just eight points clear of Morecambe in 21st.
The next three games are now massive, starting at MK Dons next weekend, who are just one point above the drop zone following a 2-0 win at Bristol Rovers. The U’s then welcome high flyers Plymouth before a trip to 22nd placed Cambridge.
