Notts County's search for consistency was dealt another blow as they fell to a 2-1 home defeat to Oxford United. A late goal from Rory Finneran proved only a consolation after the visitors had struck in each half at Meadow Lane.
Mark Harris opened the scoring for Oxford after 18 minutes, capitalising on a spell of early pressure. The hosts struggled to create clear chances in response, with their first-half efforts limited. Manager Paterson made a triple change at the interval, introducing Max Sanders, Rory Finneran and Nick Tsaroulla in an attempt to alter the game's momentum.
A frustrating finale
The changes initially failed to spark a revival, and Oxford looked to have sealed the points when Cameron Brannagan fired home with just two minutes of normal time remaining, assisted by substitute Luka Lynch. Notts County managed a dramatic response in the first minute of added time, as Finneran turned in a cross from Tsaroulla. The goal sparked a frantic final push, but the equaliser would not come.
Finneran acknowledged the team's struggle after the final whistle. The defeat leaves Notts County 22nd in the League One standings, with just seven points from their opening eight matches. Their recent form shows one win, one draw and three losses in the last five games.
The match was a physical affair, with the home side receiving six yellow cards to Oxford's three. Rod McDonald was booked early for a foul, setting a combative tone that continued throughout the contest. Oxford's match-winner Harris reflected on a job well done.
Attention now turns to a quick turnaround, with an EFL Trophy group stage match against Nottingham Forest U21s at Meadow Lane on Tuesday night.
