THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United were beaten 1-0 at home to fellow Sky Bet League One promotion hopefuls Barnsley.

JAMIE CUMMING

Distribution was at times a bit suspect, although the conditions didn’t help with that in particular – 6

SAM LONG

Return from ankle injury turned into a nightmare, with unfortunate own goal and then bang to the head seeing his evening come to an end after 35 minutes – 5

ELLIOTT MOORE

Was often in the right place to deal with any danger posed by Barnsley’s physical presence up front – 6.5

CIARON BROWN

Was at times ponderous in possession, when United needed more drive and quicker decision-making when playing out from the back. BOOKED – 6

FIN STEVENS

Shot wide with an early chance, when he needed to test the goalkeeper. Barnsley wing back Nicky Cadden enjoyed too much space on that side of the pitch – 5.5

MARCUS MCGUANE

Chased down the ball to create opening for himself, but his lofted effort over goalkeeper Liam Roberts lacked any real power – 6

CAMERON BRANNAGAN

Had a few tries from distance, with one thunderous strike from 25 yards smashing off the crossbar. MAN OF THE MATCH – 7.5

JOE BENNETT

Forced off with injury in first half stoppage time. U’s can be thankful Greg Leigh is now back, as Bennett has been a solid performer since joining – 5.5

Read the match report here

RUBEN RODRIGUES

Cut a frustrated figure at times, with dissent towards the officials threatening to boil over, and not for the first time this season. BOOKED – 6

MARK HARRIS

Flicked a first-time shot over at the end of the first half and was denied brilliantly when Roberts spread himself early in the second period – 6.5

TYLER GOODRHAM

Struggled to get into the game, with little opportunity to run at the Tykes defence – 6

SUBSTITUTES

Oisin Smyth (for Long, 35)

Another who was guilty of taking too long on the ball, when United’s play needed more zip. BOOKED – 5.5

Greg Leigh (for Bennett, 45+4)

Drove forward a handful of times, but was unable to help make a breakthrough. His return will be key in the long-term though – 6.5

Tyler Burey (for Stevens, 61)

Made his debut, but like Goodrham, he couldn’t get into the game from his position out wide – 5.5

Josh McEachran (for McGuane, 78)

Unused: Eastwood, Thorniley, Henry.

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