CHRIS Wilder admitted he was looking for a big performance from his players on the big occasion last night – and he got it.

And he said the manner of Oxford United’s 2-0 win over Luton in one of the best atmospheres ever witnessed at the Kassam Stadium, put to bed any suggestions that the U’s can’t handle the big stage.

James Constable and Jamie Cook struck cracking goals in the first 16 minutes and the Hatters had captain Kevin Nicholls sent off in the second half as they fell to their first defeat.

And with Mansfield losing 3-1 at Kidderminster, Oxford have moved five points clear at the top of the league.

“It was a good night,” United’s manager said.

“We scored at good times and it was fantastic character from Beano (Constable) to show that bravery to get into the box for his goal, after missing a penalty, and with things having not really gone for him over the last couple of games.

“And it was a great goal from Cooky. He’s shown that extra bit of quality and he did that again tonight.”

Wilder added: “We’ve got to make sure we take the confidence out win of this and we build on it.

“There’s been a couple of bits and pieces said that the players can’t play on the big stage, well this was in front of over 10,000 and it doesn’t come much bigger than this.

“The players produced a performance when it was needed.

“We rode our luck at times, but created chances and scored great goals.”

And Wilder believes the ref got it right in producing a straight red card to Nicholls after he had scythed down Matt Green when he was set to sprint down the right wing.

“He took the boy out completely, Greeny was through.

“He could have been quite badly injured by that kind of challenge, so that was a fair decision to me.”