Oxford Mail player ratings as Oxford United beat Shrewsbury Town

JAMES BEADLE

No real save of note to make, but claimed a few crosses and set pieces with ease – 7

SAM LONG

Solid night on the right of the back three, a role set to get the best out of his qualities – 7

ELLIOTT MOORE

A quiet evening for the captain. Played one clever ball over the top for Mark Harris early on in the game – 7

CIARON BROWN

A threatening presence from set pieces culminated in him doubling the advantage with a close range finish – 7.5

Read the match report here

FIN STEVENS

A first goal for the club and a constant option on the right-hand side. Joe Anderson’s sending off came from two yellow cards given for fouls on the Brentford loanee – 8

CAMERON BRANNAGAN

Saw a 20-yard effort tipped over in the first half and produced a few problems with his set pieces – 7.5

MARCUS MCGUANE

Strode forward in possession of the ball with ease and looked to make things happen in the final third – 7.5

GREG LEIGH

Great goal to seal the win. He brings a new dimension to the U’s attack with his directness and athleticism. BOOKED. MAN OF THE MATCH – 8

“We felt we needed more attacking options on the bench with how we thought the game might look, so I wanted to go with just the one defender.”

Liam Manning explains Stephan Negru’s absence from the #oufc matchday squad last nighthttps://t.co/XK8g9h93F6

— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) October 4, 2023

RUBEN RODRIGUES

Freed Harris for a one-on-one chance and showed plenty of nice touches in the final third – 7

BILLY BODIN

A good 45 minutes before being withdrawn at the break. Had one effort well blocked by Chey Dunkley – 7

MARK HARRIS

Guilty of sliding the ball wide when through on goal against Marko Marosi, but otherwise a solid enough return after his suspension – 7

SUBSTITUTES

Tyler Goodrham (for Bodin, 46)

Busy and involved with his pressing of Shrews players after coming on at half-time. BOOKED – 7

Josh McEachran (for Rodrigues, 66)

Bolstered the midfield alongside Brannagan and McGuane. BOOKED – 6.5

Gatlin O’Donkor (for Harris, 73)

Pressed well to force Marosi into a mistake, which led to Leigh’s goal from out on the left – 7

Unused: Eastwood, Thorniley, Murphy, Mills.

Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.