Oxford United kept their good form against the top teams intact with a goalless draw on the road against Middlesbrough.
The U’s also held Coventry to a goalless draw in recent weeks, but while they are big points, they need to pick up wins quickly.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Travel to Middlesbrough
Oxford United Draw at Middlesbrough
Vital Clean Sheet
Oxford have, for the most part, looked slightly more improved defensively under Matt Bloomfield and have now kept their fourth clean sheet in eight league games.
And once again, it came with changes to the personnel. Sam Long was a late inclusion after Brodie Spencer pulled up in the warm-up while Michal Helik was only on the bench after his return from injury.
The defence looked organised and the midfield duo helped screen the back four. Jamie Cumming was tested but the majority of efforts were fairly routine for the Oxford goalkeeper.
Lacking in Final Third
However, as mentioned before, as good as the U’s have been at the back the issue remains up top.
That said, it wasn’t for a lack of chances against Boro at the Riverside. In the first half alone, Bloomfield’s side had three three-on-three opportunities, but the decisions were poor, with an over-hit pass, an extra touch, or not enough pace in transition.
Jeon Jin-woo was guilty on a couple of occasions but Stan Mills and Myles Peart-Harris both hit the woodwork before the break.
Chances have been few and far between in recent weeks but it was promising to see some opportunities arise.
Jamie McDonnell
January signing Jamie McDonnell has been a revelation since he arrived from Nottingham Forest and it could have been his best Oxford appearance at the Riverside.
The 21-year-old made some decent passes, critical interceptions and vital tackles and his stock continues to grow.
However, he picked up a knock early in the second half and forced Bloomfield into a change so hopefully it’s not too serious.
Featured image courtesy of SmartFrame / News Images
