Damian Batt, happy to be back after a three-match ban, believes the experience several Oxford United players had in being successful at the end of the season will help them in thes run-in.

“What we went through last year will definitely help, and the year before, when we didn’t quite make it because of the points deduction.

“The last quarter of that season we did very well too,” he said.

Batt returned to the team in his old right back position at More-cambe last Saturday.

So was it good to be back?

“Yes, very much so,” he said. “After three games out it was a bit frustrating, because I’m horrible watching football, but it’s good to be back in the side.”

His ban came for a foul on Anthony Grant in the game at Southend, which led to some strong words from both camps.

But what was Batt’s own version of events? Was a red card harsh?

“I think it was a bad tackle,” he reflected. “But I don’t think it was a red card personally – it definitely wasn’t a three-match ban tackle.

“I’ve had worse done on me. I saw some worse tackles on Sat-urday, and in that game.

“But it’s happened, and you’ve just got to get on with it.”

U’s next three opponents, Here-ford, Lincoln and Stockport, have all had spells at the bottom.

But Hereford and Lincoln, in particular, have had good runs which have hauled them clear.

“That sums up the league,” Batt said. “Everyone can beat everyone, and teams that can be at the bottom at the start of the season have moved up, and vice-versa.

“Hereford is going to be a difficult game because a lot of teams come here and sit, and try to stop us. It’s going to be a good game.”