Matt hits the target to earn a vital point

OXFORD UTD ................... 1 FOREST GREEN ............... 1

JAMILLE Matt, above, came off the bench to earn bottom club Forest Green a 1-1 draw against Oxford in their League One game at the Kassam Stadium.

But the game’s biggest talking point was a save of the season contender from home keeper Simon Eastwood to keep out a Connor Wickham shot just before the break.

The U’s took the lead in the 19th minute with a messy goal that was credited eventually to James Henry.

Matty Taylor looked offside in the build-up before Rovers made a hash of clearing the danger and though it could have been a Harry Boyes own goal, Henry was adjudged to have got the final touch.

Forest Green levelled in the 61st minute when Matt headed in Corey O’Keeffe’s right-wing cross at the far post.

In an open game, both keepers found themselves very busy.

Luke McGee kept out a Henry shot in the opening 40 seconds and then made good stops from Marcus Browne, Tyler Goodrham and Taylor.

Eastwood blocked Josh March’s effort and saved well from Boyes and O’Keefe, with Boyes also firing against the post for the visitors.

Afterwards, when asked for his thoughts on the game, Forest Green boss told reporters: “First half they were very good, they got behind us a little bit too easily but still, I thought we had one or two chances in there, but they were certainly the better team in the first half.

“Second half, again, we were strong, we created a lot of good chances on top of the goal. Even at 1-1, it’s easy for us in the position we are to sit back and maybe try and accept that, but I felt we tried to win the game.

“We had more chances after that, (Harry) Boyes hit the post, Jamma (Jamille Matt) came close with a back-heel, don’t get me wrong, they also had a few big moments as well, it was quite an open game. I thought we were deserving of a point.”

Oxford Utd (1) 1 Forest Green (0) 1

Oxford Utd: Eastwood,Anderson,Long,Findlay (Seddon 77),Brown Bate,Brannagan,Henry (McGuane 67),Browne,Bodin (Goodrham 23) Taylor (O’Donkor 77).

Subs Not Used: Gorrin,Mousinho,McGinty. Booked: Long.

Goals: Boyes 20 og.

Forest Green: McGee,Bernard,Casey,Cargill (Marques 51),O’Keeffe Bunker,PeartHarris,Boyes,McAllister (Matt 45),March,Wickham. Subs Not Used: Jones,Robertson,Thomas. Booked: Bernard,March,Matt,PeartHarris,Casey,Marques.

Goals: Matt 60.

Att: 7,813

Ref: Simon Mather (Manchester).