MICHAEL Appleton rued some over-elaborate finishing, but was heartened by Oxford United’s commanding display against Stevenage.

The goalless draw suited the defensive-minded visitors far more than the U’s, who produced some scintillating football but could not make the most of their chances.

But aside from failing to score, Appleton was delighted with the manner of the performance.

United’s head coach said: “It’s a game that we’ve absolutely dominated.

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“There were two contrasting styles and I know which one I’d want to come and watch most weeks.

“I thought we stood up to the physical side of the game, we won and competed with the second and third balls that we had to at times when Stevenage put the ball up there.

“Probably more importantly, when we had the opportunity to put our foot on the ball we passed it and moved it really well.

“It’s one thing doing that if you get to the edge of the box and there’s nothing happening, but we actually created numerous opportunities.

“A couple of times we tried to be a little bit too clever in our finishing, instead of just putting our foot through it rather than wanting to beat an extra man.

“But it’s very difficult to be critical of that performance from the way it went.”

The home side’s best chances largely fell to Danny Hylton, who has scored seven goals in an excellent start to the season.

But the forward was wasteful, particularly with a late chance where he rounded goalkeeper Chris Day, but delayed his shot, allowing Stevenage to snuff out the danger.

Appleton admitted he had almost substituted the 25-year-old minutes earlier, but had kept him on in case such a chance fell his way.

“We nearly brought Danny off just before that instead of Brian (Howard),” he said.

“We just felt he might have a goal in him with the confidence he’s got at the minute.

“I just thought he got a bit too cute and he lost the opportunity to score.

“But he will score many goals for us this season and I’m sure the next time he gets himself in that position he will make the right decision.

“It’s a bit of give and take between coaches and players.

“You’ve got to be prepared for that, they’re going to score goals one day and miss opportunities the next.”

By contrast, Stevenage boss Graham Westley was content to take a point.

“If you come away from home, you get nil against and you give yourself a chance with your creative play at some stage to win it, then that’s never a bad performance,” he said.

“We sat in and worked hard defensively, they had a moment or two, but nothing that was causing us any real concern.”

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