MIKE Williamson believes Oxford United will face their sternest challenge of the opening month today with the visit to Glanford Park.

Pep Clotet’s side arrive top of Sky Bet League One after winning their opening games against Oldham Athletic and Portsmouth.

While the Latics struggled to stay up last season and Pompey were playing in League Two, Scunthorpe United were pushing for the Championship.

Although the Iron finished third, losing in the play-offs to Millwall, Graham Alexander’s side are fancied to challenge again.

Williamson reckons it is a step up from what the U’s have faced so far, but knows if they can produce a similar performance they have every chance of completing a hat-trick of victories.

He said: “For me, if you don’t turn up and do the basics right by matching headers and tackles, then you’ll lose the game.

“This does appear on paper to be a tougher test, but we’re going there full of confidence and fingers crossed we can continue.”

On top of the wins, both have come with clean sheets, which has delighted the former Newcastle United centre back.

But any suggestion the U’s had upgraded their expectations on the back of two wins was quickly dismissed.

Williamson said: “It’s two games, I wouldn’t even call that a start.

“If after ten games if we’re still unbeaten with no goals conceded then we can talk realistically.

“Of course we want to be in the mix and pushing to get out of the league, but it’s far too early at the minute.

“We’ve got such a new group with a new manager and everyone is getting to know each other.

“We’re just looking to grow every game.”

One player pushing for more time on the pitch today will be Gino van Kessel, whose late cameo last weekend included a stunning goal against Portsmouth.

It was an impressive start and Williamson admitted the Slavia Prague loanee had impressed in training.

“Gino was fantastic. You couldn’t ask for a better start really with an incredible solo goal,” he said.

“I think that’s what the manager wants – to breed confidence.

“You build off a solid base so the team are in a position that when he makes his subs, things like that can take the three points.”

He added: “The lads are talking and are already excited. Gino’s explosive, he’s dynamic and has pace.

“He’s got that unpredictability as well, so hopefully he can continue from where he started.”