Oxford United draw 2-2 in FA Cup against Bristol Rovers

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Oxford United vs Bristol Rovers Match Report

In-form Oxford United went into tomorrows draw for round 2 of the Emirates FA Cup after a great 2-2 draw against League Two Bristol Rovers managed by Joey Barton and 34 places below them in the football pyramid.

The woodwork and a man of the man performance from opposition keeper James Belshaw denied both Sykes and Taylor world-class goals in the glorious sunshine.

After exits in both the Carabao Cup and the EFL Trophy, Matty Taylor gave the hosts a dream start in just the 11th minute when a returning Cameron Brannagan released Mark Sykes to drive the perfect low cross for Taylor to finish off.

Barton was known for his combative playing style, and it’s clear that he sets up his side to play similarly. Alex Gorrin took a heavy challenge and was forced off to injury, and Taylor was targeted to trigger a reaction. The plan worked as he was booked for a foul which sparked a melee and the team looked unsettled.

The Gas capitalised in first half injury time with Sam Finley, who also got booked in the handbags, picking up a loose ball with Long’s headed clearance not strong enough.

Rovers started the second half as they finished, having possession and keeping the U’s pinned into their own half. But McGuane scored a special goal in the 51st minute against the run of player after an intelligent 1-2 with Matty Taylor. The former Nottingham Forest player bended in a curling shot with the instep to give his side the lead.

Minutes later Williams teed up Whyte who missed a sitter and should have put the game out of sight. Chances flowed by as a 4 vs 2 situation saw Taylor fire wide, and Finley fired over after a corner.

Sykes almost scored a worldie from his own half which Belshaw tipped over, which would have been the undisputed goal of the season. The keeper then pushed a Sykes effort onto the crossbar as the Yellows tried to put the game out of reach of their opponents.

The woodwork denied Taylor after another special effort with again the keeper off his line with a first timed lobbed volley. The effort rivalled the one by Sykes and the U’s fans were denied two goals that would have been talked about for years to come.

The post denied Taylor again a minute later before he came off to a well earned rest after a great game. The triple substitution saw all three attacking players come off with retaining the lead in mind. The versatile Forde and defensive Hanson were instructed to pack the midfield to hold the game.

The move didn’t quite pay off as Hanson conceded a late penalty by fouling Collins when trying to clear the ball, to gift Evans the equaliser for Rover. An unwanted replay Tuesday week, but still in the competition.

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