Oxford United continued their unbeaten home record but will be frustrated with a fifth successive draw, this time against Derby.
In Des Buckingham’s 50th game in charge, Dane Scarlett netted the opener on his first league start but a defensive error allowed the Rams an equaliser.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Oxford United Draw Against Derby
Opening Goal
After some slow starts in recent games, it was a quick beginning from the U’s and that was refreshing to see.
Siriki Dembele put in arguably his best display in a yellow shirt, but picked up a knock just before the break which hampered Oxford’s second half.
However, the winger looked lively in the early exchanges and was involved in the opener, finding Idris El Mizouni on the overlap who pulled the ball back to Scarlett to slot home.
This was the first time Oxford had taken the lead since their defeat at Bristol City last month, so that’s a promising point.
Derby Goal Changed Game
Buckingham will be happy with the first half display but will be frustrated with the defensive errors that led to the Derby equaliser.
Peter Kioso failed to clear before Will Vaulks added to that with a lofted ball that didn’t go far enough, which put Ciaron Brown under further pressure. The Rams then scored the equaliser.
From there, Derby began to swing the tide and looked the likelier team to score again but the hosts regrouped and got together to defend as a unit.
Oxford United Vs Derby: League One Game
Arguably for the first time this season, the performance from both sides looked more like the one we would have seen last season in League One.
Both Buckingham and Ed Waldron have spoken about the higher intensity and workrate in the Championship compared to the third tier but neither of those aspects were in flow at Grenoble Road on Tuesday night.
As mentioned, a draw was a fair result but it was a drab display compared to some recent performances.
