Match ends, Oxford United 0, Stevenage 0.
Oxford United 0-0 Stevenage
- From the section Football
Oxford extended their unbeaten run in League Two to five matches but were left frustrated as Stevenage claimed a goalless draw at the Kassam Stadium.
Michael Appleton's team, who were bottom of the table a fortnight ago, dominated possession.
But they were unable to break the visitors down, with Danny Hylton spurning three great opportunities.
He had a close-range shot saved, put a decent header wide and also sliced a half-volley into the side-netting.
Stevenage showed more attacking intent after the break with Tom Pett shooting wide and fellow sub Dean Parrett forcing George Long into a save with a 20-yard drive.
Stevenage manager Graham Westley told BBC Three Counties Radio:
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"I watched a lot of very young and very inexperienced players grow up an enormous amount today.
"We've been talking about the need for them to evolve tactically, to learn defensive as well as offensive responsibilities.
"That was a pretty solid, strong and disciplined performance in the second half. We cut out a very good chance that could have won it.
"We've got a big injury list - we've been a little unfortunate in that regard. The benefit for us is we're getting a lot of young players their first league experience."
Line-ups
Oxford Utd
- 18Long
- 6Wright
- 5Mullins
- 25Riley
- 3Newey
- 10Hylton
- 29HowardSubstituted forBrownat 82'minutes
- 14Ruffels
- 15O'Dowda
- 19Collins
- 27Barnett
Substitutes
- 4Raynes
- 7Rose
- 8Brown
- 9Morris
- 11Potter
- 21Crocombe
- 28Jakubiak
Stevenage
- 16Day
- 9Charles
- 2RichensBooked at 79mins
- 3DembeleBooked at 90mins
- 19Wells
- 7WhelpdaleSubstituted forParrettat 66'minutes
- 22Lee
- 20Beardsley
- 25Henry
- 24LancasterSubstituted forPettat 45'minutes
- 14MarriottSubstituted forCalcuttat 43'minutes
Substitutes
- 5Ashton
- 11Pett
- 15Calcutt
- 18Parrett
- 29Gorman
- 30Reading
- 32Conlon
- Referee:
- Chris Kavanagh
- Attendance:
- 4,658
Match Stats
Home TeamOxford UtdAway TeamStevenage
- Possession
- Home62%
- Away38%
- Shots
- Home12
- Away5
- Shots on Target
- Home2
- Away1
- Corners
- Home10
- Away1
- Fouls
- Home13
- Away20
Live Text
Full Time
Second Half ends, Oxford United 0, Stevenage 0.
Josh Ruffels (Oxford United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Dean Parrett (Stevenage).
Hand ball by Junior Brown (Oxford United).
Booking
Bira Dembele (Stevenage) is shown the yellow card.
Danny Hylton (Oxford United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Bira Dembele (Stevenage).
Callum O'Dowda (Oxford United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Dean Parrett (Stevenage).
Foul by Danny Hylton (Oxford United).
(Stevenage) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Tom Newey (Oxford United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Connor Calcutt (Stevenage).
Foul by Michael Collins (Oxford United).
Dean Wells (Stevenage) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Attempt missed. Dean Parrett (Stevenage) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
Foul by Tyrone Barnett (Oxford United).
Charlie Lee (Stevenage) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Corner, Oxford United. Conceded by Chris Beardsley.
Substitution
Substitution, Oxford United. Junior Brown replaces Brian Howard.
Jake Wright (Oxford United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Chris Beardsley (Stevenage).
Tom Newey (Oxford United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Chris Beardsley (Stevenage).
Booking
Michael Richens (Stevenage) is shown the yellow card.
Callum O'Dowda (Oxford United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Michael Richens (Stevenage).
Attempt saved. Dean Parrett (Stevenage) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
Tom Newey (Oxford United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Chris Beardsley (Stevenage).
Joe Riley (Oxford United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Tom Pett (Stevenage).
Foul by Josh Ruffels (Oxford United).
Connor Calcutt (Stevenage) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Callum O'Dowda (Oxford United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Ronnie Henry (Stevenage).
Tom Newey (Oxford United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Dean Parrett (Stevenage).
Attempt saved. Josh Ruffels (Oxford United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.