Oxford's play-off hopes dented with Stevenage draw

Cameron Brannagan scored his 11th goal of the season through a penalty kick.

Oxford United missed out on a big chance to enhance their chances of making it to the play-offs as they were only able to secure a tie against Stevenage on their home ground.

This puts them in the sixth position in the League One standings, with a lead of three points over Lincoln. Lincoln, however, has yet to play one game and has a better goal difference.

Stevenage has lost their manager, Steve Evans, to Rotherham this week. However, during their recent match, the team managed to hold out for a point, even though they were under constant pressure and didn't have a single shot on target. They scored their only goal from an own goal.

In the 32nd minute, Stevenage managed to score a goal despite not being in control of the game. The goal came from a cross from Nick Freeman on the left wing, which was turned into the net by Sam Long, who was under pressure from Kane Hemmings.

The U's team believed that they deserved a penalty call after Ruben Rodrigues managed to pass the ball to Marcus Browne. The goalkeeper, Craig MacGillivray, seemed to have committed a foul while racing to get to the ball.

However, the referee named Tom Nield decided not to grant Oxford's request for a penalty.

In the 58th minute, the team earned a penalty kick after Rodrigues was fouled by Carl Piergianni just outside the box. This occurred after the player managed to move past Piergianni and get closer to the goal. The penalty was successfully executed by Cameron Brannagan.

In the beginning of the game, the team playing at their own stadium had control. The goalkeeper, MacGillivray, rescued the ball after Rodrigues's powerful kick, Long missed a header during a corner, and Mark Harris wasn't able to score after a good opportunity.

During the latter part of the game, there wasn't much difference as MacGillivray prevented Finn Stevens and Josh Murphy from scoring by making some impressive saves. Murphy tried to score when he ran towards the goal post but MacGillivray managed to save it.

Towards the end of the match, Stevenage came very close to winning as Long made a crucial clearance on the goal line. Additionally, a shot was redirected by a defender and narrowly missed hitting the post.

The blog entry has been provided by PA Media.

The game has concluded with a score of Oxford United 1 and Stevenage 1.

The concluding period of the match has come to an end with both Oxford United and Stevenage scoring one point each.

The attempt was unsuccessful. Greg Leigh (from the Oxford United team) attempted a header from the right-hand side of the six-yard box but missed to the right. Josh Murphy of the opposing team provided assistance by crossing the ball after a corner kick.

Kane Smith gave away a corner to Oxford United.

The shot was unsuccessful. Mark Harris (a player for Oxford United) used his head to hit the ball from the middle of the designated area, but it went above the net. The assist was made by Josh Murphy by delivering a pass.

Josh Murphy from Oxford United missed an opportunity to score with a shot from the outside of the box using his left foot. The ball went to the right of the goalpost and was assisted by Owen Dale.

At the Stevenage game, there has been a substitution. Jordan Roberts has been replaced by Dan Sweeney.

In Stevenage, there has been a substitution. Nathan Thompson has come onto the pitch to take the place of Harvey White, who had to leave due to an injury.

The holdup has ended. They are prepared to proceed.

The game was put on hold due to an injury sustained by Harvey White of Stevenage.

Kane Smith of Stevenage has been issued a yellow card because of a nasty foul.

At the left wing, Josh Murphy (from Oxford United) successfully gains a free kick.

Kane Smith (Stevenage) has committed a foul.

Sam Long from the Oxford United team was able to earn a free kick in the part of the field where their team was responsible for defending.

Kane Hemmings (Stevenage) committed a foul.

The try has been stopped. Ciaron Brown from Oxford United used his left foot to shoot from a distance, but it was obstructed. Owen Dale gave some support for the attempt.

The ball was kicked into the corner by Oxford United. Nesta Guinness-Walker made a mistake and let the opposition score.

Owen Dale let the opposing team score a point at the corner in Stevenage.

The ball has been lost by the team from Stevenage's corner, due to the efforts of Cameron Brannagan.