New Oxford United boss Darren Patterson saluted the spirit of his side after they battled to their first victory in 11 games last night.

Steve Basham's penalty midway through the second half brought the U's a precious 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers which lifted them to 18th in League Two.

It was his 13th goal of the season, and one of the most important of his Oxford United career.

But Patterson saluted all of his players. "They all put in a shift," he said.

"It was such an important win, and especially so because our home form hasn't been very good this year.

"What pleased me most was the spirit.

"The players did exactly as I asked them, they didn't go into their shells and they didn't just look after themselves - there was a real togetherness about them.

"But we're going to need that in every game until the end of the season if we are to get out of trouble.

It was United's first clean sheet at home since their last win, against Notts County, on January 2.

Leo Roget gave a magnificent performance at the back on his return from suspension, throwing himself in the way of shots and making superb tackles.

And in fact Rovers were denied very few sights of goal . . . which was probably just as well because keeper Billy Turley had one of his more eccentric evenings!

Patterson said: "We mustn't get carried away, but this will give a massive lift to everyone.

"I said to the 11 who started: 'make it so I have to pick you again next time' and most of them did that."

It was Patterson's first home victory in charge, because although they won away when he was caretaker boss 18 months previously, they had lost both home games.

This time there is nothing temporary about his appointment, and there's the feeling that this is the start of a positive new era from the genial "Mr Positive".

The 36-year-old former Northern Ireland defender admitted he hadn't slept since he was given the job, because he had been so full of thoughts .

"I've been turning over so much in my mind," he said.

"My wife must think I'm barmy. The previous night I think I was reading out names in my sleep - Willmott, Quinn, Hargreaves - I'm just glad they were guys' names!"