Oxford United’s winning run came to an end against promotion rivals, Lincoln.
The Imps netted the only goal of the game shortly after the restart with a controversial penalty.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Unchanged Side
Having stuffed fellow promotion rivals, Peterborough, last time out, it was unsurprising to see Des Buckingham stick with the same line-up, despite the return from injury of Cameron Brannagan.
Jamie Cumming started in goal behind a back four of Fin Stevens, Sam Long, Ciaron Brown and Greg Leigh. Josh McEachran remained in the number six role behind Tyler Goodrham and Ruben Rodrigues, while the from three of Josh Murphy, Owen Dale and Mark Harris led the line. Brannagan replaced James Henry on the bench and was the first substitution in the second half while Billy Bodin, Marcus Browne and Marcus McGuane all came on, although struggled to make an impact.
Lincoln Managed the Game Better
Lincoln needed the points more than Oxford did to maintain their ambitions of finishing in the top six after losing to Wigan, which left them five points behind the U’s.
In light of this, the visiting team played a stronger overall 90-minute performance. They had a strong start, produced several excellent opportunities, and neutralised Oxford’s threat.
Even though they eventually went down to ten men, the Imps managed to frustrate the U’s and grind out the victory following the goal shortly after the restart.
Wingers Ineffective
Lincoln mostly neutralised Oxford’s dangermen, or wingers, as a threat.
Murphy was always surrounded by defensive players, and the Lincoln defence handled any instances when Murphy managed to go in behind by regrouping effectively. Harris found it difficult to enter the game, and Dale experienced the same thing on the opposite wing.
Oxford rarely used its counterattacking style of play, partly because the two found it difficult to get going. The wide regions proved to be unhelpful for the subs as well.
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