THE Checkatrade Trophy has plenty of critics, but Pep Clotet is aiming to use Oxford United’s win at Gillingham as a launchpad for an upturn of form in Sky Bet League One.

Tuesday’s 2-1 win at Priestfield was only the side’s second success in their last ten outings.

That statistic needs improving rapidly to avoid a campaign which, at best, peters out in mid-table.

But Clotet saw signs in Kent that the work done at their training camp in Spain had made an impact to take into tomorrow’s home game with Doncaster Rovers.

He said: “We worked very hard last week in the camp to have more intensity and defend better.

“We tried to close the opposition a little bit more because that can give us more chances of counter-attacks and more time in possession when they don’t have the same organisation.

“The fact that we had this game and we had to match their intensity and physicality, you can always take these things into the next game.”

Clotet believes both those elements will be vital tomorrow.

United’s recent record at the Kassam Stadium has not been good – one win in the last nine games in all competitions.

Several visiting sides have been successful in frustrating the U’s on the way to picking up at least a point and Clotet foresees a similar approach from Doncaster tomorrow.

He said: “In this league sometimes it’s easier to get results away because at home the opposition sets up not to lose and a point is fantastic for them.

“They make the games really tight and then with any mistake they can find success.

“It’s important for us to keep understanding we have to put in a lot of intensity, minimise the errors and be very competitive.

“We need the support of the fans as well to get through the 90 minutes.

“It’s not going to be an easy game, because when teams come to the Kassam they really give you nothing.

“They try not to lose and whatever they can nick.”

One other bonus from midweek was a debut for Malachi Napa.

And after the 18-year-old winger set up United’s winner, Clotet has no worries about handing him a league debut tomorrow, if required.

He said: “I’m very happy for him because it’s easy to put in young players, but you have to make sure they are ready and can make it.

“Malachi made a difference with an assist and that’s a big positive.”

  • WES Thomas missed out on two monthly awards in Sky Bet League One to Blackburn Rovers players.

The U’s striker was short-listed after netting three times in November, but Charlie Mulgrew won the league’s award and clubmate Marcus Antonsson lifted the PFA prize, voted for by fans.