Oxford United ended a run of three straight defeats with a 1-1 draw on the road at play-off-chasing Norwich.
The U’s fell behind inside five minutes but a first goal since Boxing Day for Mark Harris earned a vital point.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Oxford United Draw at Norwich
Formation Change and Strong Performances
Gary Rowett made two changes to the side that lost at Coventry last time out, with Hidde ter Avest and Alex Matos coming in for Peter Kioso and Tyler Goodrham, but it was the formation tweak that got fans talking.
In possession, the U’s stuck with a back four but when defending, Przemyslaw Placheta dropped in as a left-wing-back. However, the Pole struggled and allowed Norwich to get down the right-hand side for their opener in the fifth minute.
Matt Phillips came on in the second half and looked a more solid defensive option in what was a busy night in Norfolk.
The midfield three of Will Vaulks, Cameron Brannagan and Matos looked decent. Brannagan, as he often does, ran his socks off, Vaulks broke up play and Matos put in a shift in behind what was at times a front two of Harris and Ole Romeny.
But it was another sensational display between the sticks from Jamie Cumming. The goalkeeper was kept busy but made several key stops, parties from top-scorer Borja Sainz with an outstretched leg with just minutes remaining.
Another Early Goal Conceded
Despite a promising display from most on the road against a well-disciplined and organised Norwich side, Rowett will be frustrated at shipping another early goal.
Placheta was caught out too easily down the Oxford left and it was an easy square pass to Josh Sargent to tap home past Cumming.
Romeny did have a chance minutes before that fifth-minute opener but struck it straight at the debutant goalkeeper, but after the goal, they regrouped well and quickly got themselves back into the game when Harris latched on to a long throw from Vaulks.
Drought Ended for Sparky
And that strike was important for Harris. Last season, Sparky proved to be a streaky striker, with the Wales international going several games before finding the net, and that pattern has continued this season.
However, his first goal since Boxing Day will hopefully give him a much-needed confidence boost for the rest of the campaign. While his strike was only from two yards out, he took it well.
He was presented with another opportunity after the restart but instead of shooting, opted to try and square the ball in which the defence tidied up.
Having Romeny play alongside him certainly helped, as it halved the workload in the press and gave him another option to feed off. The duo could go on to form a decent partnership.
