CHRIS Wilder said that despite the catalogue of misfortunes in Tuesday’s defeat against Southend, he learnt a lot more positive things about his players.

Two men sent off, two coming off through injury – but still the U’s could hold their heads up high after the 1-0 defeat in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

“In a perverse sort of way, it really did show me that we have got players who have commitment, bottle, spirirt and ability,” he said.

“I was proud of the way the players went about it.

“Supporters have recognised in the past players who have let the club down, and I think they appreciate that this group will not do that.”

And what of his stand-in goalkeeper, Asa Hall?

“I can’t believe Asa didn’t line his wall properly for the goal,” joked Wilder.

“He did great. He was like Hatch off Escape To Victory (the goalkeeper played by Sylvester Stallone).

“There will be no doubt criticism of me not having a goalkeeper on the bench, and I can understand that people might say that.

“But it’s the first time in well over 100 games that it has happened. There are times in cup games where I have had a keeper on the bench, but with Tommy Craddock coming back, and Harry (Worley) and (Jonathan) Franks only just back from injury, I wanted options on the bench of utilising players.”

Was Hall always going to don the gloves if something happened to Wayne Brown, however?

“It was like a game of pass the parcel with the keeper’s shirt, wasn’t it,” Wilder said.

“It was just waiting for the music to stop – and it did when Asa had it!”