JOHNNY Mullins believes an “uncomfortable” team meeting last week could turn into one of the defining moments of Oxford United’s season.

In the wake of the hugely disappointing 2-1 defeat to ten-man Accrington Stanley the squad were brought together last Monday morning.

United review all their games, regardless of the outcome, but last week’s post-mortem examination went much deeper than normal.

It was not pretty, but with three successive wins since then, Mullins believes it was important.

He said: “We really got into fine detail and there were a few home truths from everyone.

“We all knew it wasn’t good enough.

“The way the game played out was so disappointing, but the meeting must have been OK, because we’ve had a half-decent reaction.

“We’re looking to keep that reaction going for as long as possible.”

He added: “The gaffer starts (the meetings) but if anyone wants to say something the floor is there.

“It’s not a dictatorship, but we all knew the gaffer wasn’t happy.

“It was a bit uncomfortable at times because we knew the game was so poor.

“We watched the clips back and there were lots of hand-in-face moments, but it got the reaction.”

The points haul from wins against Exeter City, AFC Wimbledon and York City has restored confidence ahead of the visit to Plymouth Argyle tomorrow.

United are now above the Pilgrims on goal difference, with both sides clear of the pack in Sky Bet League Two’s play-off zone.

Mullins, who has captained the side during Jake Wright’s absence, knows there is plenty of work still ahead, but acknowledged if they can finish the job then the clear-the-air meeting will be seen as pivotal.

He said: “I think you’ll look back on the season and the defining moments.

“A lot of people would say certain games – I remember early on and the 2-2 at Luton was big at the time because we seemed to kick on from there.

“Maybe we could sit back here come May and all be smiling and saying that was part and parcel of it.”