Ryan Clarke says Oxford United players are keeping their feet firmly on the ground – and boss Chris Wilder is making sure they do!

The terrific 2-1 win against fellow promotion-chasers Port Vale moved them to fourth in the table, making it seven wins and two draws from their last ten games.

But goalkeeper Clarke, whose terrific penalty save earned them victory against the Valiants, said no-one was going overboard about their form ahead of the trip to leaders Southend United.

“Everyone is enjoying it and the gaffer has told us to go out and express ourselves,” said Clarke, who has been nominated for the League Two player-of-the-month award for October.

“We are making the right decisions, we are passing the ball at the right time and clearing our lines at the right time.

“But there is a long way to go – we’ve only played 16 games – and there is well over half a season left, so no-one is getting carried away.

“And if anyone does, then the manager will let us know about it.

“There are a lot of experienced pros here and we know it’s going to be a long, hard season.”

The former Bristol Rovers stopper said the Port Vale win had given them a terrific boost as they prepared to take on the table-topping Shrimpers.

He added: “It will be a tough game. They are on a good run at the moment.

“We can got there on the back of two really good wins. It shows what character we have in the team when we can can lose a game (1-0 at Gillingham) and then come back and win 5-1 (against Plymouth).”

Clarke, who saved Marc Richards’s penalty and later denied substitute Ben Williamson from close range, said he was delighted with his display against Vale.

He added: “I was probably more happy with the one after the penalty, because the lad’s had a good touch, it sat nicely for him and he spanked it. I’m just glad I got something behind it.

“I think if they had scored that penalty it would have been harsh on us.

“In the first half, we dominated and maybe we could have been a few more goals in front, but it wasn’t to be.

“On another day, the strikers are going to get four or five, just like we did against Plymouth.”

* OXFORD United have been given a initial ticket allocation of 2,600 for their FA Cup first-round trip to Sheffield United on Saturday, November 12.

They are priced at £10 for adults, £5 for over 65s and students, and £3 for under 16s.

For more details, visit www.oufc.co.uk