Oxford United picked up their first win in ten with a 1-0 victory at home against Watford.
Siriki Dembele netted his first Oxford goal in the final ten minutes to secure a vital three points.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Oxford United Win Against Watford
Attacking Changes to Starting Line-Up
Gary Rowett was left frustrated with how his side threw away the lead to lose at Hull on Wednesday night and he made five changes for this game.
Ben Nelson was the defensive change at the back for the injured Elliott Moore but there was a welcome return to the midfield for Cameron Brannagan.
Przemyslaw Placheta, Ole Romeny and Dembele all came in for the trio of Stan Mills, Ruben Rodrigues and Matt Phillips, who struggled on the Humber.
Ups and Downs of Oxford United Wingers
Following on from the previous point, the wingers were far more involved than at Hull, but not always for the better.
The duo got on the ball often but largely struggled to get past a well-organised Watford defence despite the intent being there.
When they did get past, crosses were often played into dangerous areas but Harris and Romeny hadn’t anticipated the delivery.
At the break, many contacted BBC Radio Oxford saying that Dembele, in particular, should be taken off, but Rowett stuck with his personnel and system, and it eventually paid off.
Dembele had a decent chance after the break, bringing down a Placheta cross while the latter also saw an attempt saved by the goalkeeper.
But the goalscorer did well when he did, bringing down a Harris flick before cutting inside and smashing home his first U’s goal.
Clean Sheet
Getting the three points was the main target at Grenoble Road but keeping a first clean sheet in six was a massive bonus.
In recent games against Bristol City and Coventry, the U’s have conceded shortly after scoring themselves, so maintaining discipline in the final ten minutes was key to ensuring the result.
Now, Oxford will need to return from the international break with confidence from the result and shutout.
