Oxford United returned to action with a comfortable 3-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon.
The U’s led 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Mark Sykes and Matty Taylor before Sam Long netted his first of the campaign in the second half.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Assists in Style
Karl Robinson’s side never really looked in danger during this game and it was a comfortable evening for the U’s. That said, all three assists were pure class.
Firstly, Mark Sykes was on hand to give Oxford the lead but it was some brilliant build-up play. Steve Seddon burst forward from the left before sliding the ball through to Ryan Williams. The winger controlled his run and looked up before making the pass to Sykes who slotted home.
For the second goal, the U’s played the ball patiently before upping the tempo down the right-hand side. Sam Long played a one-touch pass forward to Gavin Whyte who slotted the ball into the six-yard box for Taylor to comfortably convert.
The third goal came from a corner. Although it was initially dealt with, the ball came back to Whyte who whipped in a teasing deep delivery and Long was on hand to slide home.
Kane and Brannagan Key
We all know the qualities of Cameron Brannagan and his ability is vitally important. The addition of summer signing Herbie Kane has made the midfielder go up a level and the partnership the duo have has become deadly.
Once again, the pair looked untested and in control for the entire game. Their combination play is lethal and they could have added to the scoreline themselves.
Good news emerged after the game that Oxford and Barnsley had reached an agreement to keep hold of Kane until the end of the season.
Return to the Bench for Stevens
Although Simon Eastwood was relatively untested in goal, there was a positive in the return of Jack Stevens to the Oxford bench.
The goalkeeper has been sidelined since October with glandular fever but hasn’t been forced back into action. That said, his return will be welcome as we enter the second half of the season.
