THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United were beaten at Northampton Town in their final away game of 2023.
JAMES BEADLE
Stopped a couple of shots straight at him, however question marks over whether he could’ve done better for the goals conceded. He was at full stretch for the first, but the ball snuck in within range, while he seemed to be beaten too easily for the winner – 5.5
FIN STEVENS
Made a handful of important interceptions, however Sam Hoskins had the better of him in most of their one-on-one duels – 5.5
ELLIOTT MOORE
Lost out in the air for the opening goal, and struggled at times with the threat posed by Kieron Bowie up front for the Cobblers – 5
CIARON BROWN
Was behind Tyreece Simpson when he netted the late winner, and was sloppy in possession at times, particularly in the first half. BOOKED – 4.5
JOE BENNETT
Like Stevens, he never got on top of the battle with his winger, as Mitch Pinnock enjoyed the better afternoon than Bennett – 5.5
RUBEN RODRIGUES
His frustration threatened to rise to the surface at times, but he managed to keep a lid on it. Couldn’t make things happen in the final third – 5.5
MARCUS MCGUANE
Brilliantly tracked back to break up a counter-attack with the score at 1-0, however he arguably needed to do better at closing the cross down for the opener – 5.5
CAMERON BRANNAGAN
His penalty never looked in doubt, but otherwise, he was limited to efforts from range which never troubled the goalkeeper – 6
STAN MILLS
Won the penalty to get U’s back in it, however it was the only thing he could offer his teammates in the final third – 6
MARK HARRIS
Had very few touches inside Cobblers territory on another frustrating afternoon for the striker – 5.5
JOSH MURPHY
Should’ve done better with effort on the counter-attack just before quarter of an hour mark, but he was the only player to emerge with credit from the game due to some dangerous runs down the left. Taken off at half-time as a precaution. MAN OF THE MATCH – 6.5
SUBSTITUTES
Tyler Goodrham (for Murphy, 46)
Was busy trying to make things happen during the opening section of the second half, but faded when Cobblers got on top – 6
James Henry (for Mills, 70)
Couldn’t get into the game, largely due to the home side being the dominant one – 5
Gatlin O’Donkor (for Harris, 80)
Oisin Smyth (for Rodrigues, 90+1)
Unused: Eastwood, Thorniley, McEachran.
Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.