Oxford United kept their promotion hopes alive with a 2-1 win on the road against Shrewsbury.
The U’s took an early lead through Matty Taylor but the hosts levelled on the hour mark. With time running out, Oxford were awarded a penalty which Cameron Brannagan successfully converted.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Line-up and Formation
Karl Robinson stuck with the new-look back three and two up top despite several absentees through injury and covid.
Simon Eastwood replaced Jack Stevens in goal with the regular goalkeeper unwell while Sam Long and Ciaron Brown also missed out. It meant Steve Seddon and John Mousinho came in alongside Luke McNally.
In midfield, Ryan Williams and Mark Sykes continued in the wing-back roles with Herbie Kane and Brannagan as the middle two. Nathan Holland began as the number ten while Gavin Whyte partnered Taylor up top with Sam Baldock missing through injury.
In fact, the U’s were without nine players for the match and the line-up shows how depleted the squad is in certain areas, but also how strong they are in others.
Luke McNally
Following the departure of Jordan Thorniley in January, McNally has stepped up to the fold in incredible fashion. Once again, he put in a solid display.
Playing in a makeshift back three, which included Mousinho’s first start since December 2020, the young central defender led by example and looked the most experienced player in the backline.
As has been a common theme in recent weeks, McNally was comfortable on the ball while bringing the ball out of defence against a resilient Shrewsbury side didn’t phase him.
Solid Win Under the Circumstances
In recent weeks, Oxford have put in some top drawer performances while picking up the points but the game against the Shrews was about one thing – three points.
While there were pleasing factors in the display, Oxford weren’t at the best over the 90 minutes. Despite that, many promotion-chasing sides can adopt a ‘smash and grab’ ethos when their backs are against the wall and the U’s managed that.
