THE manner of Oxford United’s win against Milton Keynes Dons showed the squad’s strength in depth, according to Chey Dunkley.

A tight game looked to be heading for a goalless stalemate, before Kane Hemmings headed in Rob Hall’s cross two minutes from full time.

The striker had been on the pitch for only a quarter of an hour.

He had been named on the bench despite being the side’s top-scorer.

Dunkley felt the ability to bring a player of Hemmings’s quality into the game for the latter stages demonstrates United’s healthy position.

He said: “We’ve got strength in depth at the moment.

“The gaffer always says ‘can those who come on make an impact and change the game’.

“Kane has got a goal for us.

“We’ve seen it a few times this season where we’ve had to be resilient and we always know we’ll have a chance.

“It fell for us again. We didn’t create as many chances as previous games, but we’ve got the quality to score.”

The game deteriorated for a scrappy spell in the second half, when referee Trevor Kettle issued a flurry of cautions.

Dunkley was one of the names taken by the official and although the centre back felt it was harsh, he was pleased to be able to keep cool in what was a feisty contest at times.

He said: “The ball was in the air and I’ve honestly just tried to challenge for it. I didn’t think I deserved the booking.

“I had to keep my discipline towards the end of the game because it was getting a bit rowdy and I didn’t want to get myself in a challenge which may get me the second yellow.”