Wilder praises Leven after spectacular goal (From Oxford Mail)

Wilder praises Leven after spectacular goal

10:00am Monday 31st October 2011 in Match Reports 2011-12 By Nick Farrant

Chris Wilder singled out Peter Leven for praise following his wonder goal that earned Oxford United a 2-1 victory over Port Vale on Saturday.

Leven chipped Vale keeper Stuart Tomlinson from all of 45 yards to put United 2-1 ahead, although it needed a late penalty save from goalkeeper Ryan Clarke to secure victory over a spirited Vale side.

Wilder said: “It was a fantastic goal to win it, but I would have been very disappointed if we hadn’t won.

“Pete’s a good player and ever since he walked through the door he’s been a great lad, great to work with.

“We’ve given him a platform to show his skills off.

“Clarkey (Ryan Clarke) will get a bit of credit and so will Pete (Leven), but it was a fantastic performance from us.”

Wilder was disappointed by the decision to award a penalty against Duberry.

He said: “To give a soft penalty like that was not how he refereed the game. That’s what we said to him and the keeper’s made a fantastic save and managed to secure the three points.”