Oxford United will have a slim lead in the second leg of their play-off semi-final against Peterborough United.
Elliott Moore scored the solitary goal in the first leg, heading home eight minutes after halftime.
Before the return match on Wednesday night, we looked at some of the big talking points from the first leg.
Skipper leads by example.
Moore missed three games last month due to a hip injury, including the 5-0 victory over the Posh at the Kassam Stadium in Sky Bet League One.
The 27-year-old returned in time for the season’s final game, and he handled himself well on the road at Exeter City.
Moore was superb against a strong Posh forward line, with no team scoring more goals in League One this season.
He was determined to make every block, clear every ball, and win every header.
While he is not the type of captain to rant and rave, he leads by example and commands respect from those around him.
Moore also arranges his defensive unit admirably, which was critical when facing Peterborough’s cunning attackers.
Regardless of his winning goal, Moore appeared to be the most probable candidate for man of the match, but the header made that a definite.
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Battle out wide.
Josh Murphy wreaked havoc on Posh right defender Jadel Katongo during last month’s 5-0 defeat.
Manchester City loanee Katongo was better prepared this time, attempting to get under Murphy’s skin early on.
Whether it was little infractions here and there or overall gamesmanship, Katongo used every trick in the book to stop Murphy. And it worked.
Murphy was well-managed for the first half hour, but after that, he settled into the game.
While he wasn’t at his best, he was the most likely United player to make a difference in the final third.
His clash with Katongo will be one to watch in the second leg.
Midfield wonder
Some questioned if United head coach Des Buckingham’s decision to play Tyler Goodrham in midfield against Fleetwood Town on Easter Monday would succeed.
Goodrham, on the other hand, has adjusted well and is improving in specific areas with each game.
Against the Posh, he was great at pushing and denying the opponents time on the ball.
These abilities, combined with his ability to connect up play, allow Goodrham to perform in midfield. He was superb in the match against Peterborough.
Well balanced for the second leg.
With only one goal separating the two sides, either team has a good chance of winning in the second leg.
The U’s, of course, have the goal advantage, and it’s difficult to picture them sitting on and protecting it.
Instead, United will aim to extend their lead, which should make for an exciting second leg.
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