Oxford United carried on their fine form with a 3-0 win against Gillingham on Saturday afternoon.
A brace from James Henry, coupled with a strike from loanee Matty Taylor, saw off a disappointing Gillingham side who are still without a win on the road this season.
Gillingham manager Steve Evans opted to stick with a back three including youngster Jack Tucker, who was making his first away league start for the club, with three in midfield and two up top. Karl Robinson opted for his usual 4-2-3-1 system.
On the bench for Gillingham was number 48; 48 year old goalkeeping coach Simon Royce, who had to be drafted into the squad last minute due to an injury to reserve goalkeeper Joe Walsh.
The first five minutes of the game was pretty even, but, after that, the home side ran riot.
Henry opened the scoring by curling a neat effort round Jack Bonham in the Gillingham goal, and he added Oxford’s third with a header before he could’ve had a hattrick, hitting the inside of the post towards the end of the first period.
Oxford academy graduate Taylor was a threat all game, and he’s proving once again to be a favourite amongst the home faithful – his low finish on the half hour mark doing his reputation no harm.
Gillingham didn’t threaten all game, really. They looked a disjointed, disorganised team of individuals, and Mark Marshall’s tame shot on target in the final minute of the game – Gillingham’s first all match – bought ironic cheers from the away end, telling you all you need to know about the Gills’ play going forward.
A good away following left disappointed
For Oxford, it’s hard to pick a standout. Both full-backs, Chris Cadden and Josh Ruffels, proved once again why they’re one of the best duos in the league, and United’s attacking force of Fosu, Woodburn and, in particular, Henry, were all outstanding yet again.
Gillingham will be hoping to put the game to the back of their minds as soon as possible, and they have a great chance to bounce back against confidence-stricken Southend United next week. Oxford will look to continue their fine form when they travel north to face Accrington Stanley.
words Lewis Browning, Gillingham fan & writer