PATRICK Hoban felt Oxford United could not have done more to beat Newport County after the visitors hung on for a 1-1 draw at the Kassam Stadium.

The Irishman came off the bench to cancel out a wonder strike in the first half by Lenell John-Lewis.

It was a terrific finish from the striker, who took his tally for the campaign to five goals, and it gave United 18 minutes to find a winner.

But they came up against in-form goalkeeper Joe Day, who made several smart stops to keep the hosts out.

Hoban said: "We had them on the back foot once we'd scored.

"I thought we created a lot of chances and did enough to win the game, but the goalkeeper was in fine form."

On the goal, Hoban said: "Roofey (Kemar Roofe) pulled it back and it was just a touch and finish.

"I tried it ten minutes before and the defender blocked the shot.

"I just tried it again and it went in the back of the net. I was buzzing to get the goal."

Head coach Michael Appleton was upbeat about the display to earn a point, which kept his side second in Sky Bet League Two.

He said: "There's no way I'm going to stand here and be harsh on the players.

"They busted a gut, especially in the second half, to get themselves back into the game.

"And if it wasn't for people making clearances off the line and the keeper making some fantastic saves we all know we would have won."

United had to substitute their front two of Danny Hylton and Ryan Taylor before the start of the second half.

Appleton revealed Hylton had stomach cramps, with Taylor having a tight groin. Both will be assessed today.