It was a frustrating week for Oxford United who managed to pick up just one point from their two league games.
To make matters worse, January signing Tom Bradshaw has been ruled out with an injury.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: One Point From Two Games and Striker Sidelined
Draw at Derby
Oxford began the week with a draw on the road at relegation-threatened Derby.
It was a frustrating evening for both sides in what was a physical battle in the East Midlands.
Siriki Dembele’s long-range strike midway through the first half was Oxford’s only attempt on target in the 90 minutes, but it’s another clean sheet on the road.
Bradshaw Blow
One player who missed the game at Pride Park was striker Tom Bradshaw, who picked up an injury.
It leaves just Mark Harris as the recognised striker after Dane Scarlett was recalled by Tottenham and Will Goodwin was loaned to Wigan, although Matt Phillips and Ole Romeny can play the role.
Rowett said of Bradshaw: “I don’t think he’s going to be back quickly. I think it’s going to be a matter of weeks, a good few weeks. That’s disappointing for us.
“That’s why I chucked Matty on towards the end because him and in different types of game, I’m sure Ole can play as a nine as well.
“I thought Sparky worked really hard without getting much joy and too many attacking moments. It’s those little bits of quality that we lacked and that little extra spark in those middle-of-the-pitch moments to create chances, and that was disappointing.”
Defeat Against Pompey for Oxford United
Oxford’s winless run continued with a 2-0 loss at home against Portsmouth.
John Mousinho’s side took the lead shortly after the restart but Oxford squandered some good chances with Przemyslaw Placheta, Stan Mills and Matt Phillips all being wasteful in front of goal.
With the U’s pushing for an equaliser, Pompey netted a second deep into stoppage time.
