Oxford United’s unbeaten run ends at Bolton

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Bolton vs Oxford Match Report

After a bright start, Oxford conceded their first goals in open play to see their unbeaten run end with a 2-1 loss to Bolton.

Bolton of course were playing in the Premier League a decade ago, and since their relegation in 2012 have slid down the leagues and back-to-back relegations in 2019 and 2020 see the club in League 2. With an instant bounce back with a 3rd place finish thanks to top scorer Eoin Doyle, they have their sights on another consecutive promotion this season. Both sites started the game unbeaten, with the U’s 7 points superior to Bolton’s 5.

The U’s fancied their chances though, and Matty Taylor started up front with Sam Winnall. The two linked up in the 11th minute with Winnall chipping a delicious through ball for Taylor to round Dixon to score his first of the season. His goal now makes 6 players on one goal apiece.

Bolton are a strong side though, and ex West Ham player Afolayan looked dangerous up front as his squandered a few chances, before curling a beauty in from 2o yards to get the game level into the break.

After the break Oxford were still up for the game, Whyte, Brannagan, Sykes and Taylor all went close to giving the U’s the lead, but Bolton won a corner in the 63rd minute and Doyle headed home. The 33 year old Irishman has 21 goals in 47 league starts for Wanderers, and 2 this campaign matching Afolayan.

Credit to Oxford, the players kept up the efforts and had chances to put back level, and Whyte should have perhaps hit the target in injury time. The loss was painful given the dominance, but it was an encouraging performance from Robinson’s side.

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