The Football League is back underway and on a blisteringly hot day in Oxfordshire, the U’s were hosts to recently relegated side, Crawley Town. After trailing to a scrappy Gwion Edwards close-range header against the run of play, Oxford equalised through the talismanic Hylton.
Despite the heat the tempo was ferocious from the off, with the hosts controlling the majority of possession, forcing Crawley deep into their own territory.
The tone was set just six minutes into the encounter, with Hylton embarking on a mazy run before squaring to debutant Ryan Taylor who was denied by a last-ditch challenge 6 yards out. Furthermore, Kemar Roofe and Alex MacDonald had sight of goal but neither could trouble stopper Freddie Woodman with tame efforts from 20 yards.
Through controlling the game however, clear-cut chances were hard to come by for the hosts as the Crawley defence stood resolute and commanding in the air with the expansive height of the centre-halves. The game plan was clearly to play for the point and the organised visitors played that game impressively.
As Mark Yates’ side returned to pitch for the second half they had a little more purpose about them. This paid off on 57′ as Gwion Edwards broke the deadlock. Sam Slocombe hesitated in the U’s goal which allowed Harrold to nip in and gather the ball. His centre was met by Edwards who tapped in the header from close range.
The more familiar style of play returned as the Crawley side soaked up more pressure once more. Inviting this pressure was costly as Oxford were quick to respond. Danny Rose, the U’s main source for creativity, who showed tenacity and elegance throughout the afternoon, glided a perfect pass into the path of Hytlon who seized the opportunity on the half-volley, rifling emphatically past the onrushing Woodman.
1-1 the scoreline read and it was all Oxford again. Kemar Roofe forced a magnificent save from Woodman, with a rasping drive which the son-of-Andy Woodman excellently palmed away. It was almost to be at the death as well, with Mullins arriving at the far post unmarked, but yet again stood in the way was the ever-present Woodman, tipping over from point-blank range.
It was not to be for United who were held by the excellently robust Crawley Town who executed their game-plan with a high degree of profligacy.
