Another frustrating week for Oxford United has come to an end with the U’s picking up just one point from two league games.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Winless Run Continues
Manning on U’s Loanees at Port Vale
Ahead of Oxford’s clash at Port Vale, U’s boss Liam Manning spoke for the first time about loanees Matry Taylor and Jack Stevens.
The pair are currently on loan at Vale, with Stevens joining in the summer after penning a new deal at Oxford before Taylor arrived on deadline day in January.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, Manning said: “I’ve spoken with most of the loan players so I had a good chat with him [Stevens] as well.
“It was a similar message in terms of that nothing can be done until the season’s finished.
“We’ve had a chat and it’s similar that when he’s in the area, we’ll catch up and I’m sure I’ll see him after the game on Monday.”
On Taylor, he added: ‘I’ve spoken with Matty on the phone, we had 20 minutes on the phone and it was good to talk to him.
“When he’s in the area, he’s going to stop by and have a coffee.
“I think at the minute with where he’s at and where we’re at, it’s a case of let’s just concentrate on the immediate situation in hand with the games coming up.
“It’s such an intense, heavy period and it’s the same for him.
“He scored recently and I’m sure he’ll want to build on that, and continue his good form.
“It’s a case of getting the games done, and then we’ll sit down and have a chat.
Another Draw
Oxford then played out a goalless draw at Port Vale on Easter Monday.
The U’s were arguably the better side but were unable to convert any of their chances over the 90 minutes.
One positive, however, was picking up a second clean sheet in three games under Liam Manning.
Defeat Against the Trotters
Manning then suffered his first defeat in charge of Oxford with a 1-0 loss at home to Bolton Wanderers.
The visitors took an early lead and were fortunate to stay with 11 on the pitch after the goalkeeper took out Kyle Joseph when through on goal.
Despite a dominant second half from the U’s, they were unable to find an equaliser, and with Cambridge United picking up all three points, Oxford are safe but only on goal difference.
