Oxford United conceded a stoppage-time goal in a 3-2 defeat on the road at Hull.
The U’s came from behind twice in a frantic opening 25 minutes but were unable to hold out in the end.
Here are three talking points from the game.
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Oxford United Lose at Hull
Static Defence
Gary Rowett kept to the same starting lineup as the one that played against Portsmouth last weekend but there seemed to be a lack of organisation between the back four in the early exchanges of the game.
The Tigers took the lead inside the opening two minutes with Leeds loanee Joe Gelhardt twisting and turning inside the box before beating Jamie Cumming at his near post.
Oxford got themselves back into the game shortly after but the second goal made the U’s defence look like statues with a quick one-two before Matt Crooks slotted home.
The was more unity after the break when Sam Long replaced Mark Harris as the U’s switched to a back three.
Character to Come Back
Having conceded so early, it could have been easy for heads to drop but the U’s kept to the task at hand and showed real character to get back.
Stan Mills crossed in before Tyler Goodrham recycled the ball into the path of Will Lankshear to fire home his first Oxford goal.
But the U’s conceded again, although Cameron Brannagan fired home a 25-yard volley from a Will Vaulks long throw.
That confidence grew into the second half display and despite having a lot less of the ball, Oxford were arguably the better side in the second half.
And they had chances after the restart, with both Matt Phillips and Vaulks forcing the Hull goalkeeper into making important saves.
Lack of Energy
Despite the second-half improvements, the U’s looked leggy throughout the game, and Rowett even said in his post-match interview that his side lacked energy.
This was highlighted defensively with all three goals, but also in attack with the gap between the midfield and front two too expansive.
Whether this is down to the pre-season tour of Indonesia or something else, the players need to up their fitness in the coming fixtures.
