The U’s drew 2-2 against Exeter City in the cup before missing out on an extra point with a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat at St James Park.

Young midfielder Harrison Bradney scored the Yellows’ first goal before Jack Fitzwater steered the ball into his own net with 12 minutes of the match left.

The game was Oxford’s first in 17 days after an extended international break in which four players left to play for their nations, two for Northern Ireland and two for Wales.

Aaron Ramsey’s side return to League One action with an away trip to Notts County on Saturday.

“I thought it was an entertaining game from a neutral point of view,” Gunter detailed after the Exeter draw.

“It was a good start in terms of a couple of weeks without a game, going ahead now into the league fixture as well.

Oxford United winger Aidan Elliott-Wheeler in action against Exeter City (Image: Oxford United)

“We’re off and running in the competition, which we want to do well and I thought the approach to the game leading into it was right.”

The U’s rotated for their EFL Trophy clash, with five names gaining their first starts of the season.

Two of those were Aston Villa loanee Luka Lynch and academy product Aidan Elliott-Wheeler who were positioned on the right flank together in the first half.

Ramsey and his coaches made some interesting tactical rotations, allowing right back Elliott-Wheeler to stay high and wide whilst Lynch drifted centrally in behind the striker during Oxford’s build up.

The duo were also seen doing the opposite, with the Villa loanee out wide and the U’s youngster coming inside.

Games like these where the stakes are slightly lower and personnel has been changed provide good opportunity to try some new ideas, which Gunter expanded on.

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“No two games for us have really looked the same in terms of the profiles of who we have on the pitch [and] the opposition.

“So there’s always sort of slight tweaks in that.

“There was an opportunity today where we animated at times with the ball in a slightly different way.

“In the first half, it can be a little bit more congested and easier for the opposition to sort of track those forward runs.

“In terms of building relationships, it would have been a new one today on the right-hand side with Aiden and Luka and getting to know and understand each other and what we want from them.

“They’ll only be better for that.

“Part of our strength this season has been sort of how fluid we are within a structure and it makes it really difficult for the opposition.

“When it’s done well, it can look like it did for the last 45 minutes; creating chances, controlling the game, dominating it.”

Aaron Ramsey’s side lost the penalty shootout in the group stage match 4-3, meaning the Grecians picked up an extra point at St James Park.

Here is how we rated the Yellows in midweek…

Jamie Cumming – 5.5

One save in the first half and conceded two, possibly needing to have done better for the well hit second.

Aidan Elliott-Wheeler (Snowden 71′) – 6

Calm and composed, mopping up for Luka Lynch efficiently.

Did the basics well at right back and looked to play forward.

Sam Long – 6

Composed on the ball but both him and James Golding could have been more aware for the early opener.

James Golding – 6

Made some forward ventures on occasion and even had an effort on goal.

Had his penalty saved to lose the shootout.

Oxford United winger Aidan Elliott-Wheeler in action against Exeter City (Image: Oxford United)

Jack Currie (Leigh 59) – 6

Linked up well with Siriki Dembele, one ball in behind standing out in particular, and found decent positions on occasion.

Harrison Bradney – 7

Bagged a first goal on his first start and got in some great positions, playing with confidence and assuredness, particularly after netting.

Had his penalty saved but that should not take away from a great performance.

Cameron Brannagan (Goodrham 59′) – 5.5

Dictated play after moving deep but nothing too incisive or threatening from the skipper.

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Louie Sibley – 6.5

Much better in the second half, demonstrating a strong engine to cover ground in midfield, making some neat passes and runs on the front foot.

Luka Lynch (Kioso 59′) – 6

Brownie points for his second assist in Oxford colours and had a lot of endeavour, but decision making often went begging as he ran into trouble trying to force his way past defenders.

Gatlin O’Donkor – 6

A bit static in the first half but grew into the second.

Should have scored when scuffing a ball across goal, but his run for the U’s second forced the own goal from Jack Fitzwater sliding in.

Oxford United captain Cameron Brannagan (Image: Oxford United)

Siriki Dembele (Missanga 46′) – 6

Played with maturity amongst a young team with some clever positioning and movement and could have scored with his wide effort on another day.

Substitutes:

Mo Missanga – 6.5

Full off confidence, the teenager was a problem for his marker and almost scored with the last kick of the game.

The break was probably a good rest for the youngster.

Tyler Goodrham – 6.5

Grabbed control of attacks when he entered the pitch and went close twice.

Peter Kioso – 7

Once again proved his worth as the current first-choice right back with perfectly-timed runs and ventures forward, putting the dangerous ball in for the own goal.

Greg Leigh – 6

Energetic with a point to prove on his first competitive appearance since January.

Leo Snowden – 6

Was blocked twice after picking up some good positions in the box.