Oxford United suffered a 2-1 home loss against Preston on Saturday lunchtime.
The U’s fell two goals behind in the game but, despite a wonder-strike from Brian De Keersmaecker, were unable to get themselves on level terms.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Welcome Preston
Oxford United Lose Against Preston
Change of Personnel But Same Formation
Gary Rowett opted for a back three, just like he did at Blackburn during the week. The defence remained unchanged, but Luke Harris and Mark Harris were replaced by two players who have struggled for game time in Nik Prelec and Ole Romeny.
It was the first start of the season for Romeny and the first start in six for Prelec. That said, the duo were quite involved from an attacking standpoint, with Romeny hustling and bustling while Prelec provided a nuisance throughout.
And it showed when the duo were replaced later in the game with the substitutes having little to no impact on the game.
Didn’t Take Advantage When on Top
Oxford started the game brightly against a Preston side that occupy a playoff spot but they didn’t take advantage during those periods of dominance.
Greg Leigh and Ole Romeny both had decent chances in the opening 15 minutes but they were made to pay when Preston took a fortuitous lead shortly after against the run of play.
The rest of the half was fairly even but the visitors killed the contest shortly after the restart with a well-worked goal.
However, Oxford did get themselves back into the game and created further chances through Will Vaulks and Will Lankshear but were unable to find a leveller during their spells on top throughout the second half.
First Goal for De Keersmaecker
And what a goal it was! Oxford won the ball through the press, Prelec played it inside before De Keersmaecker nutmegged the defender and struck the ball into the top corner with his left foot.
The club-record signing has looked a class above the rest of the squad for some time now and the absence of skipper Cameron Brannagan has meant he’s had to step up and do more.
Unfortunately, he was unable to drag his side to a point but it was another good display from the Belgian.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
