ANDY Scott says that he believes that Oxford will be challenging for honours at the end of the season, despite their defeat on Saturday.

The former Oxford striker, now Rotherham manager, saw his side edge to victory.

And he says that he is certain both teams will be in the mix come the end of the season.

“Oxford made it very hard for us today, but we are confident that we will be up there at the end of the season and I am sure Oxford will be challenging as well,” said Scott, who is assisted by ex-U’s manager Darren Patterson.

“I thought we were well on top first half. Oxford had five or ten minutes early on, but we were in control after that.

“We had lots of possession without really creating anything, but we were on top and then started so well in the second half.”

The game was decided by a sublime finish from Lewis Grabban, and Scott says that the bit of added quality from the better League Two players will be key.

“It was a fabulous goal. I was right behind it and the keeper had no chance,” he said.

“Moments like that decide matches, but Oxford have got players who can do that as well.

“Constable and Smalley are top players who are capable of doing that, but we believe we have that quality as well and that finish today was certainly one that belied the league that it was in.

“It was a big win for us because it’s going to be very tight all season. and no team is going to hand you the points in any game.”