Oxford United have struggled on the road yet again, this time coming away with just one point against League One’s bottom club, Bolton Wanderers.
But, for Karl Robinson’s side, it could have been a lot worse and The Trotters could have easily picked up their first win of the season.
Tough Times at Oxford United After Draw at Bolton Wanderers
What Happened in Bolton?
This was Bolton’s first home game since their recent takeover and the hosts were on top in the opening 20 minutes.
Will Buckley, who looked comfortable on his debut, set up Thibaud Verlinden but Rob Dickie was on hand to get a block in.
Simon Eastwood then denied Ali Crawford from a free-kick, and shortly after, the midfielder rounded the goalkeeper before hitting the post.
The U’s were yet to find their feet, and Verlinden was denied by Eastwood before Jason Lowe fired wide.
Oxford’s first opportunity came when Tariqe Fosu smashed a free-kick over the bar during a spell where Robinson’s side started winning a number of corners.
It was from a corner that forced Remi Matthews into his first save, denying Fosu after a knockdown by Dickie.
And despite a disappointing first half, in which the U’s could have been a couple of goals behind, they began the second stronger.
Chris Cadden and James Henry linked up well on the right, before Henry’s cross was headed by Cameron Brannagan, but Matthews denied the U’s top scorer.
Verlinden was again denied by Eastwood at the other end before the U’s almost took the lead in a fortuitous instant. Henry saw a low shot take a big deflection before the ball struck the post
Nine Points from Nine Games
The U’s have only picked up nine points in League One this season. After four points came during the opening two matches of the season, a run of four defeats in five has seen a plunge down the table.
Robinson’s side recorded just their second league win on Saturday, easing past Tranmere Rovers, and the fans would have expected another three on Tuesday night.
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