Oxford United bounced back from Saturday’s defeat against Plymouth with a 2-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town. Despite a tiresome and goalless first half, the U’s scored twice after the restart to take the points. Here are three talking points from the game.
Mark Sykes
Player of the Month last month and Man of the Match against the Shrews, Mark Sykes has become an integral part of the squad this season.
The Northern Irishman had previously netted three goals from 81 outings for the U’s but has scored as many goals in just 14 appearances this season. Not only that, but his strike against Shrewsbury was vitally important.
As previously mentioned, the first half was poor and the U’s laboured against their opposition. However, Sykes, who returned to the starting line-up after starting on the bench against the Pilgrims, netted within the opening minute of the restart to give the hosts some much needed momentum.
Goals From Midfield
Sykes scoring was also significant because it was a rare goal from midfield, which was doubled three minutes before time as Cameron Brannagan netted his third of the campaign.
Last season, the U’s struggled for goals from midfield. Matty Taylor netted 19 times while the regular back four contributed the same amount, but goals from central midfielders lacked with Brannagan and Sykes scoring just twice between them.
The wide players, such as Nathan Holland and James Henry, have also chipped in but for Sykes and Brannagan to have three goals each can only be a positive.
Clean Sheet
Another positive is that Oxford managed a first clean sheet since a goalless draw against Wycombe – eight games ago. It was also just a third clean sheet of the season.
Importantly, it was a third successive league game that Karl Robinson was able to name a back four of Steve Seddon, Jordan Thorniley, Elliott Moore and Sam Long. Naturally, the more games the quartet play together the better they will work together.
Another note is that of Jack Stevens. Although he didn’t need to make a save as the Shrews failed to hit the target from their ten attempts on goal, it was a memorable night for the 24-year-old who made his 50th Oxford appearance.
