Oxford United skipper Jake Wright says that the whole team are proud of their defensive record – but wins will always be the most important thing.

Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Bristol Rovers means that the U’s have conceded the fewest goals in npower League Two.

And Wright, who has forged a terrific partnership with Michael Duberry at the heart of United’s defence, says that the weekend’s clean sheet was an added bonus to a superb team display.

United conceded three goals at Crewe and then two at home to Burton in back-to-back matches at the start of September – the only time they have let in more than one goal in a league match.

But four clean sheets in their last five league matches now sees United top of the defensive charts.

Wright said: “First and foremost everyone wants the three points, but from a defensive point of view, you want the clean sheets as well.

“The back five, which includes (goalkeeper) Ryan Clarke, and then Macca (Paul McLaren) just in front of us, making it six, are all doing well at the moment and clean sheets are an added bonus.

“Clarkey made two good saves early on (against Bristol Rovers), and you have to expect that your keeper will have shots to stop, but other than that, I think it was a fairly quiet afternoon for him, which hopefully means we were all doing our jobs.”

Wright, who replaced James Constable as club captain in the summer, is relishing his new role.

“I’ve never hidden the fact that I have wanted to be a skipper, so I was delighted that the gaffer gave me the chance,” he said.

“I just want to keep playing and keep fit. I got frustrated last season because I picked up a few niggles, but hopefully this season I will be fine.”

The one thing missing from Wright’s game has been a goal, but he doesn’t mind that.

He explained: “I don’t get the chance to score goals because Dubes (Michael Duberry) goes forward at corners, and I don’t.”

Meanwhile, Clarke and two-goal marksman Constable have had their starring roles on Saturday recognised by being named in the npower League Two team of the week.

OXFORD United Reserves’ fixture at Colchester United Res in the Totesport.com Combination North Division tonight has been postponed.