TOM Newey felt the reason Oxford United were unable to find top gear in their 0-0 draw at York City was down to an energetic performance from the home side.

The Minstermen did not look like a side just above Sky Bet League Two’s relegation zone and made life very difficult for the high-flying U’s.

Newey thought City had raised their game and with the visitors falling short of their best, the full back was content to take a point.

He said: “I think we have to give York a lot of credit.

“They got in our faces and it was very rare for you to be able to take a touch and get your head up.

“They made you rush clearances and maybe make you pick the wrong pass at times.

“It was a tough game, they showed a lot of energy, a lot of passion and the crowd really got behind them.

“When you are up at the top of the league you are a scalp and they really did make it difficult.

“Both keepers have made saves, it was a 50/50 game.

“We don’t usually like it and should have probably shut the game down a bit better, but give credit to them.

“We were off form a little bit and didn’t play to our maximum, but yet we still came away with a clean sheet and a point.”

Newey has been a fundamental part of United building the division’s best defensive record, with just 16 goals conceded in 21 games.

The former Scunthorpe man was unhappy with the number of opportunities York were able to create, which made him particularly grateful for two critical saves from goalkeeper Ryan Clarke.

He said: “They probably had a few more chances than we would’ve liked and we had to call upon Ryan a couple of times.

“We didn’t want to do that, but he stood up to the task again and showed what a good goalkeeper he is to keep us in the game.

“Their keeper made some good saves as well, so probably a point was fair in the end.”