Oxford United continue to look for their first points on the road after they lost at Bristol City.
The U’s took the lead into half time thanks to Ruben Rodrigues but the Robins netted twice in the second half to secure the win. Here are three talking points from the game.
Oxford United Lose at Ashton Gate
Two Halves in the First Half
In what was a feisty atmosphere, particularly surrounding their former manager in Liam Manning, it was the U’s that started quickly and on the front front.
However, the quick start didn’t last long and the hosts got themselves into the game and took control of the ball.
Jamie Cumming was forced into several routine saves as the Robins looked for the opener but the first goal of the game came against the run of players and turned the momentum in favour of the visitors.
Siriki Dembele came inside and flicked the ball through to Rodrigues who calmly placed the ball into the back of the net.
From there, Oxford were on top. Mark Harris saw an effort easily saved by the Robins goalkeeper, Dembele smashed the bar from distance and Josh McEachran was dominating defensively for the U’s.
The blow came minutes before the break when the aforementioned McEachran was forced off, being replaced by Will Vaulks.
City were well on top after the restart and fully deserved the three points at Ashton Gate. They stretched the width of the pitch which Oxford struggled with defensively and both full-backs were up against it for large parts.
Mark Harris
Harris has undoubtedly been one of Oxford’s brightest players in the opening stages of their Championship campaign, netting four goals in his opening four games and winning Player of the Month for August. However, he had an afternoon to forget at Ashton Gate.
With Oxford in the lead, the Welshman missed a golden opportunity from three yards when he failed to slide in Rodrigues’ low cross.
Just two minutes later, City equalised with a similar chance with the striker converting the low cross.
But the afternoon got worse for Harris when, having switched to the right, conceded a penalty which the Robins scored their second of the game.
Substitutes Ineffective
Losing McEachran when they did was a blow and Vaulks was unable to replicate that form showed by his predecessor.
Dane Scarlett came on for Rodrigues on 67 minutes and looked fairly lively, but failed to create any chances.
With ten minutes remaining, Kyle Edwards and Malcolm Ebiowei came on for Dembele and Tyler Goodrham. Ebiowei barely touched the ball but Edwards was heavily involved without any end product.
It was a frustrating afternoon for the U’s despite a promising opening.