Oxford United ended their opening game of the new League One season with a 1-1 draw at newly-promoted Cambridge United.
Despite dropping points on the opening day for a fourth consecutive season, there was plenty of positives for manager Karl Robinson and the fans to take. Here are three talking points from the game.
Steve Seddon
Summer signing Steve Seddon seems to have embedded himself well into life at Oxford. The left-back, who has replaced homegrown Josh Ruffels in the role, scored on his debut in a pre-season friendly defeat against Bristol Rovers and he opened his account against the U’s.
Similarly to Ruffels, Seddon likes to get forward down the left-hand side and caused plenty of problems.
The 24-year-old swung a delightful ball to James Henry in the first half but the latter saw his header saved before he saw a volleyed effort blocked.
But it was his goal that opened the scoring, volleying home from a Ryan Williams cross. He also crossed for Billy Bodin in the second half but the winger was unable to convert.
Possession and Chances
Oxford ended the game with 61 per cent possession and had three times as many shots on target as their opponents. While it is only one game into the season, the failure to convert those chances, particularly when in control of the game, could be critical.
The U’s also made almost double the number of passes during the game, with their pass accuracy at 72 per cent compared to Cambridge’s 55.
Henry, Matty Taylor and Bodin had the best chances for the visitors but were unable to convert.
Late Penalty Appeal
With the game level and deep into injury time, Oxford felt aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty. Bodin went down under a challenge but the referee felt there wasn’t enough contact to award a spot-kick.
Clearly, Robinson felt his side should have been awarded the penalty, saying: “It’s a blatant penalty on Bodes (Billy Bodin). His hands have gone up, and he’s pushed him. He’s bottled that decision.”
