THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United beat Bristol Rovers in a game which saw three players sent off at Grenoble Road.
JAMES BEADLE
Made a series of stops, including a brilliant double save with just four minutes on the clock – 8
SAM LONG
Had a shaky first half, but recovered well and his goal proved to be the winner – 7.5
ELLIOTT MOORE
Strong at the back although he picked up a needless yellow card for a rash challenge early in the second period. BOOKED – 7.5
CIARON BROWN
The Northern Ireland international was often in the right place to make crucial timely blocks and interceptions. MAN OF THE MATCH – 8
FIN STEVENS
Replaced by Stanley Mills at half-time as United switched to a back four – 6.5
MARCUS MCGUANE
Didn’t have the same positive impact as in recent weeks, largely due to how well the opposition midfield played – 7
CAMERON BRANNAGAN
Lost control of the midfield battle at times but still managed to come out on top. BOOKED – 7
GREG LEIGH
Showed his qualities in defence with fantastic reading of the game to thwart the Pirates – 8
“Oisin has apologised and I need to look back at Stan’s, but from where I was stood, it looked extremely soft.”
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) October 7, 2023
Liam Manning reacts to a bizarre ending to the game for #oufc against Bristol Rovershttps://t.co/WtZyzXqwEU
RUBEN RODRIGUES
His first half performance oozed quality, as did the glorious assist for Billy Bodin – 7.5
BILLY BODIN
Took his goal superbly and showed plenty of nice touches in the final third – 7.5
MARK HARRIS
Spurned a couple of decent chances which were hit straight at goalkeeper Matthew Cox – 7
SUBSTITUTES
Stanley Mills (for Stevens, 46)
A bright second half was marred by the sending off. Debatable whether it was a red card offence, however given how the game had unfolded, he shouldn’t have given the referee the opportunity – 7
Josh Murphy (for Bodin, 58)
Involved in the thick of the action as soon as he came on – 7
Gatlin O’Donkor (for Harris, 70)
Once again he put his body on the line to help United try and see out a game – 7
Oisin Smyth (for Rodrigues, 88)
Unused: Eastwood, Thorniley, McEachran.
Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.
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