MICHAEL Appleton will reserve any praise for Oxford United’s players over their hammering of Coventry City until he sees what they produce tomorrow night.

The best 45 minutes of the season saw the U’s score three times to effectively make the points safe by half-time at the Kassam Stadium.

They eventually ran out 4-1 winners to record a first win in five Sky Bet League One games.

Appleton, who called on his players to prepare for a dogfight following defeat at Shrewsbury Town a week earlier, was delighted with the performance.

But, mindful of United’s inconsistency this season, the head coach did not go overboard ahead of Gillingham’s visit.

He said: “I will certainly pat people on the back and say “well done”.

“But ultimately what have we done? We’ve played well and done our jobs.

“If we get another win and a performance like that on Tuesday, maybe I’ll give one or two bits of praise out.”

He added: “This was about getting back to playing with some bloody energy, urgency and determination, rather than being passive and not being competitive.”

Unfortunately for the U’s, the satisfaction was tempered by injuries.

The stretcher was required twice in 15 minutes to carry Wes Thomas and Joe Skarz off to hospital.

Skarz, who appeared to be knocked out after an accidental clash of heads with teammate Chey Dunkley, was discharged within a couple of hours.

But Appleton admitted Thomas “did not look good”, after suffering an Achilles problem.

He said: “If it is a rupture that’s two players in the space of a few days, after Liam Sercombe, who will be out for a lengthy time.”

More will be known about the pair’s condition today, but there was better news for another player to miss out.

Marvin Johnson reported in the early hours of Sunday morning his partner Laura had given birth to a girl.