Oxford United stretched their winning run to four games in all competitions with a 3-1 victory over Morecambe.
Steve Seddon gave the U’s a first-half lead before James Henry missed a penalty on his 200th club appearance. Cole Stockton then levelled for the visitors but Mark Sykes headed home to restore Oxford’s advantage. Matty Taylor, who assisted the first two goals, then got himself on the scoresheet late on.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Goal From Set-Piece
For the first time this season, Oxford finally scored from a set-piece! A Henry corner was met by Elliott Moore before Taylor hooked the ball back into the box for Seddon to net his second goal of the season.
While it may only be a first, it is a sign that persistence on the training ground is paying off and the U’s will be looking to utilise this threat as the season continues.
Individual Performances
Although Karl Robinson said after the game that Oxford weren’t at their best, some of the players showcased tremendous performances.
Seddon, who was named Man of the Match, and Taylor were two of the games’ standout individuals. Seddon scored the opener and assisted for Taylor with a neat backheel while Taylor laid on the first two goals with clever knockdowns back into the box before scoring with a delicate chip over the Morecambe goalkeeper.
Mark Sykes was fairly quiet by his recent standard but still chipped in with a goal – an area of the pitch the Northern Irishman has dramatically improved on – while Holland also looked a threat on the left before picking up a calf injury.
James Henry – 200th Oxford Game
Before the game, much of the talk was on Alex Rodriguez Gorrin making his 100th Oxford appearance and James Henry turning out for the club for the 200th time. However, ‘The Goat’ may see it as an afternoon to forget after missing a penalty with the score at 1-0.
The midfielder was presented with the opportunity to double the U’s lead from 12 yards after Taylor was brought down but saw his effort sail over the bar. Although Morecambe then levelled, Oxford rallied together and ensured another three points.
