MICHAEL Appleton was thrilled with Oxford United’s display as they dug in with ten men to hold out for a goalless draw against Swindon Town in the Checkatrade Trophy.

The Robins went on to win the penalty shoot-out 3-1 to claim an extra point in last night’s clash, which attracted the lowest crowd in the fixture’s history – just 2,698.

It brought an end to United’s six-game winning run over their rivals, but Appleton was upbeat.

With Alex MacDonald receiving a straight red card in the 37th minute, the visitors had to work overtime to claim a fifth clean sheet in seven games.

The U’s head coach said: “It was a good night for Oxford United.

“Forget that palaver at the end (the shoot-out), I’m not sure what that was all about.

“I’m absolutely delighted for us to put in a performance like that with ten men against a side who keep the ball well at times.”

Sam Long was among seven players brought into the side who did not start Saturday’s win at Bolton Wanderers.

The centre back stood up to the pressure well, but saluted a team effort to keep the majority of Swindon’s efforts on goal to long-range pot shots.

He said: “The defence take the credit, but I think all the boys deserve it because they all worked hard for each other all over the pitch to keep the clean sheet.

“The boys put in a hell of a shift and we were probably the better side with ten men, so we’re happy.”

The one sour note was MacDonald’s red card, for a rash tackle on Anton Rodgers.

But the damage was diminished by the fact dismissals in the Checkatrade Trophy are only served within the competition, so the winger will not miss any games in Sky Bet League One.

Appleton, who had reviewed the footage, said: “He’s jumped in, but it’s not two-footed.

“It’s an honest challenge for the ball, but you can see why it’s given.”

The game did not attract anything close to the crowd which will create a feverish atmosphere when the sides meet on the same pitch for a league game in February.

But especially after the sending off there was plenty of edge on the pitch – and Appleton squared up to substitute goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux as the sides went off at half-time.

He said: “He was just getting a bit chirpy – I think he just needs to show a bit of respect.

“He’s talking to the wrong person really, he’s got to be careful.”