Oxford fell to their heaviest defeat of the season in front of the Sky TV cameras at the Toughsheet Community Stadium this evening.
United trailed 2-0 at half time through goals from Nathaneal Ogbeta and Josh Dacres-Cogley, and George Thomason made it three just before the hour mark. Bolton made it 4-0 five minutes later through Aaron Collins and moments later Josh Sheehan made it a nap hand for the home side.
United were unchanged for the third consecutive game for the first time this season and for the opening quarter of an hour they matched their hosts, although the first real chance fell Bolton’s way in the 7th minute, when Jon Dadi Bodvarsson’s header looked a goal all the way until Jamie Cumming thrust out a hand to divert the ball away from goal, although the offside flag was raised anyway.
United’s first attempt fell to Cameron Brannagan, from a free kick to the right of the area, but his effort could only find the side netting. It was a rare opportunity for the U’s who were looking to contain the hosts and attack on the counter.
All Oxford’s good defensive work was undone in the 19th minute when, from a throw on the right, the Trotters worked the ball across the area to Ogbeta at the far post. He rifled his shot into the far corner to give the home side the lead.
It was to get worse for the U’s seven minutes later, when Greg Leigh and Cummings collided to leave Dacres-Cogley, on his 28th birthday, with a gift-wrapped finish and leave United with a mountain to climb.
With Sam Long replacing Fin Stevens on half-time, United went to a back three, with Owen Dale and Leigh as wing backs and Josh Murphy partnering Mark Harris up front.
It made little difference to the pattern of play though, with Bolton enjoying the lion's share of possession and creating chance after chance.
It was 3-0 just before the hour, when Thomason tried his luck from distance, a wicked deflection taking the ball beyond Cumming as the game was sealed.
It didn't take long for the fourth to arrive as Collins was left unmarked at the back post to rifle home Ogbeta's low cross. Two minutes later Sheehan drove home from distance to cap a forgettable evening for the despondent U's.
Time to reflect, regroup and go again at Port Vale on Saturday.
Attendance: 19,134 including 222 away
Match report: Martin Brodetsky. Photos: Steve Edmunds