Positive Patto reaps rewards

8:00am Monday 6th October 2008

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Darren Patterson said he hadn't wavered in his belief of the players he's brought in after they bounced back superbly from Lewes by beating Rushden on Saturday.

It was the second good home showing on the spin as they followed on from their 3-1 victory over Cambridge with an arguably even better performance to see off Rushden 2-1, dominating the game.

Had there not been the embarrassing blip at the Dripping Pan, the U's would be on a good run.

But Patterson says he always had faith that the team would return to form.

"I've always believed in this group of players," he said.

"We don't play like a team that's down there, we've always created chances, and we always will.

"I want attack-minded footballers and I thought we played some terrific stuff."

Goals either side of half-time from Barry Quinn and Phil Trainer brought the U's a vital three points to take the pressure off the manager, with Diamonds hitting back through a stunning free-kick from Daryl Clare.

And Patterson was delighted that the new era had got off to a good start.

He said: "It's been a tough week. The chairman has stepped down, it's a fantastic thing and brave decision that he's done, and we're all obviously delighted that he's staying on as a director.

"He's not the chairman, but he's made the change, and Kelvin Thomas is a football man, which is great – and again someone who's Oxford United through and through.

"What with losing two players (Karleigh Osborne and Levi Reid), it's been a tough week – we've stuck together.

"I've taken a lot of personal criticism, but that comes with the job.

"We're all ready to take the pats on the back, so you've got to take the digs. I'm capable of doing that and my team have shown a lot of character today."

United's victory was seen by their biggest crowd of the season – 4,645 – with many extra fans coming along to support after learning about the club's financial difficulties.

"As I said in my programme notes, we need to show the consistency of our fans, who consistently support us in their droves – and I beg them to keep doing that," Patterson said.

He added: "It was a magnificent strike by Daryl Clare. I was a bit disappointed to concede straight away, it's a nightmare scenario.

"We could have gone under – we have done that of late at home – so we showed a lot of character and spirit."