United remain second after being held at home
Oxford United extended their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions last night with a 1-1 draw against Nweport County at the Kassam Stadium, although they needed a fine goal from Pat Hoban to counter a wonderful first-half strike from Newport's Lenell John-Lewis. The point keeps United in second place in Sky Bet League Two and head coach Michael Appleton told Yellow Player HD that United did well to get back into the game:"I thought we dominated the second half. I think they came to get a point, the way they set up in the game, but when you go behind to a goal like that I think you have to take it on the chin; it was a fantastic finish. But the way the players adapted to it in the second half we got back into the game and we should probably have won the game.
"Roofey’s very adaptable, whether he’s on the left-hand side, the right-hand side or in central areas, and we’ve used him in all those areas this year and he’s done ever so well and he’s got his goals. Pat’s had a bit of a slow burner this year in terms of the way the season started for him, but over the last few games he’s come in, he’s played in some JPT and FA Cup games and got his goals and I’m delighted that he got his goal tonight.
"We can’t be too disappointed. We played ever so well in the second half and created numerous opportunities and we’ve finished the four days with four points, which we would probably have taken at the start.
"It’s a very close league and if you’re in and around it in February/March, I think that’s when it’s all going to start kicking off."
United are in Sky Bet League Two action again on Saturday when they make the long trip to Hartlepool. Tickets are on sale only on the day of the match at the turnstiles.