Oxford United returned from the international break with a defeat on the road at promotion hopefuls, Middlesbrough.
The U’s took a deserved lead in the game but the hosts hit back with two goals in the second half.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Oxford United Lose at Middlesbrough
Brannagan Blow
Gary Rowett was forced to make a key change to his starting lineup with Cameron Brannagan missing the trip north with a knee injury.
The 28-year-old is arguably Oxford’s most influential player and while Will Vaulks and Alex Matos put in a decent display at the Riverside, U’s fans will be hoping that his injury won’t be a long-term one with just seven league games remaining.
Better in Open Play
Oxford have struggled to score from open play in recent weeks and while their goal did come again from a set piece, the U’s did look better in the final third.
Przemyslaw Placheta had a golden opportunity just four minutes in after Matt Phillips delivered a low cross into the box but the Pole struck the ball straight at the goalkeeper.
Phillips himself then had an opportunity, as did Mark Harris, so there are promising signs that the chances are being created. However, Rowett will want his side to begin to convert some of those chances.
Threw Away Advantage, Again
While it was a decent away performance, Oxford will be frustrated at throwing away a lead one again.
The U’s have lost 26 points from winning positions this season and in the two recent defeats at Hull and Boro respectively, they took the lead while on top.
Oxford’s first-half display was brilliant, but conceding two minutes after the restart before conceding a second later in the half meant heads dropped, performances suffered, and only a defeat looked likely.
At 1-1, the U’s looked disciplined both on and off the ball but the second goal was a real sucker punch.
Rowett needs to get his side to hold on to the advantage when they get it, particularly with just seven games remaining.
