Oxford United and Karl Robinson suffered a heavy defeat in their first game of pre-season as Rangers thumped the U’s 5-0 at Ibrox.
The starting line-up was possibly one of Karl Robinson’s strongest available, but first-half goals from Daniel Candeias and Greg Stewart put the U’s two goals down at the break.
In the second half, Robinson fielded a much more inexperienced side, and Lewis Mayo, Sheyi Ojo and Jermain Defoe completed the rout in front of 22,000 supporters at Ibrox.
Robinson Suffers Heavy Loss at Rangers
Strong Lineup
The U’s starting line-up was a strong one. Simon Eastwood started in goal, whilst Josh Ruffels and Sam Long were the full backs. Rob Dickie was always likely to start in the centre, but following the departure of Curtis Nelson, it was unclear who would partner him. On this occasion, is was the club captain, John Mousinho.
The midfield was a solid one, and it appears the U’s will be competitive in this department this season. Alex Gorrin made his debut alongside Cameron Brannagan in the centre, whilst Rob Hall and another debutant, Tariqe Fosu, were on the wings. James Henry started in the Number 10 role, behind Gavin Whyte as the striker with Jamie Mackie out injured.
Rangers 5-0 Oxford United
So, to the match. Over 1,000 fans made the trip over the border and their side started strongly.
Hall struck a shot into the side netting after Long’s cross was only half-cleared, while it took a last-ditch tackle to prevent Whyte cutting the ball back for a Henry tap-in.
But Steven Gerrard’s side, who are in Europa League action on Tuesday, were ahead after 16 minutes when Candeias finished a swift counter-attack from an Oxford corner.
Henry had an effort saved by Jak Alnwick, but the hosts began to assert their dominance. Joe Aribo should have doubled the lead but scuffed his effort.
But it wasn’t long for that second goal, which arrived just after the half-hour mark. Stewart found space in behind and with the U’s backline and fired a left-footed shot into the far corner.
Eastwood made two big saves to keep the score down to 2-0 at the break, but Rangers kept pressing.
Eastwood stayed on for the start of the second half, and it was good that he did as he was called into action early on, but Mayo soon added a third.
On-loan Liverpool winger Ojo added a fourth, coming on as a substitute and using his fitness to ease past Long before Defoe added a fifth in the final minute.
Does the Result Matter?
When it comes to pre-season, it’s not about the result, but this will be tough to take. Yes, Rangers have quality in their side, but physically and mentally, they were way ahead of Robinson’s side.
That said, this was the U’s first test after the summer, and have Oxford City, Thame United and Brackley Town to come.
It was also good to see the introduction of the youngsters. Kevin Berkoe and Sam Allardyce both came on in the second half to make their debut, whilst Jack Stevens, Mark Sykes, Owen James, Aaron McCready, Malachi Napa, Kyran Lofthouse and Fabio Lopes all featured.
One concern, as mentioned earlier, is the lack of depth in the squad. The U’s have a decent first team, but behind that, they are lacking. Yes, there are some promising youthful players at the club, but that won’t be enough heading into a new League One season.
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