THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United suffered their first home defeat under Gary Rowett with a 2-0 loss against Portsmouth.
JAMIE CUMMING
Made a couple of straightforward stops, but little he could really do about either goal conceded – 6
PETER KIOSO
One of many who were guilty of giving the ball away far too easily with sloppy passes or decision-making – 5
MICHAL HELIK
Okay defensively and even went up front briefly in the second half to provide an aerial presence – 6
CIARON BROWN
Like Helik alongside him, he didn’t necessarily put a foot wrong at the heart of the U’s defence – 6
GREG LEIGH
Forced off in first half stoppage time, and United lacked his drive from full back after the restart – 5.5
WILL VAULKS
Worked hard in the midfield engine room and tried to get the U’s ticking with passes into the channels – 6
CAMERON BRANNAGAN
Inventive cross created an opportunity for Stan Mills, who scuffed the chance off target – 6
PRZEMYSLAW PLACHETA
A little bit of a threat very early on in the game, but then lacked the quality going forward – 5
RUBEN RODRIGUES
Didn’t manage to get a grip on the game and provide the spark that was desperately required – 4.5
SIRIKI DEMBELE
Too many times he was caught in possession when he needed to be quicker in moving the ball on – 4.5
MARK HARRIS
Another of those who just couldn’t make the ball stick and ceded possession far too easily – 4.5
SUBSTITUTES
Sam Long (for Leigh, 45+5)
Something of a surprise to see him replace Leigh directly at left back. Had the ball stolen from him, allowing a chance for Callum Lang in the second half – 5
Tyler Goodrham (for Rodrigues, 66)
Played centrally off Ole Romeny, but didn’t manage to have the same impact as his fellow attacking changes – 6
Stan Mills (for Dembele, 66)
Scuffed a header off target, but then produced a great cross for Matt Phillips, who crashed a header over the crossbar – 6.5
Ole Romeny (for Harris, 66)
Added energy and an immediate spark with excellent cross from deep searching out Placheta at the back post. MAN OF THE MATCH – 6.5
Matt Phillips (for Kioso, 84)
Unused: Ingram, ter Avest, Matos, El Mizouni.
Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.