MICHAEL Appleton admitted to feeling a mixture of disappointment and delight as Oxford United were only able to convert a strong performance into a single point away to Cheltenham Town.

The U’s had to come from behind to claim a 1-1 draw, as Tyrone Barnett struck in reply to Byron Harrison’s opener early in the second half.

But it was the home side who were more satisfied with the result.

United created the lion’s share of the chances and Appleton was clearly in two minds afterwards about how to assess the game.

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The head coach said: “We probably missed enough opportunities to win three or four games, but I think the biggest thing I was happy with was when we conceded a goal against the run of play, the response of the players was very good.

“We got the one goal and probably should’ve had three or four after that as well.

“The lads mixed the play up well. They played into the front man (Barnett) when they had to, but ultimately we still looked to pass the ball and we did it quite well.

“I’m disappointed, but the only reason I’m disappointed is the result, everything else I’ve got to be absolutely delighted with.”

He added: “I suppose on Monday I’ll wake up and be really happy when I watch the game back with how the boys played.

“We just want to make sure we keep taking our opportunities and keep our foot on the gas and hope three points will come.”

While the finishing could have been sharper at times, United were also left to rue coming up against an inspired Trevor Carson in Cheltenham’s goal.

“It’s been a good day for the lad and fair play to him, that’s what he’s there to do,” Appleton said.

John Campbell was named on the bench after signing on Thursday, but the striker will have to wait for his debut.

Appleton said: “We were playing that well I didn’t want to disrupt anything.

“If we weren’t creating chances I probably would’ve put him on, but we kept getting them, so it was an easier decision to keep him in the dug-out.”

Cheltenham boss Paul Buckle commented: “I’m sure they (United) will be disappointed they didn’t win. Our goalkeeper was man-of-the-match.”

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