Oxford United finally ended their midweek away jinx last night with a 1-0 win at Macclesfield.

Boss Ian Atkins described it as "the perfect response" from his players after their disappointing 2-1 home defeat by Exeter last weekend.

It was United's first away victory under Atkins and was the first away league win in midweek that their long-suffering fans have seen for two years - since winning 2-1 at Bury in March 2000.

A stylish goal from Paul Powell did the trick, though victory was as much down to a backs-to-the-wall defensive job late in the game, when they came under heavy pressure from a side who were seeking their fourth win on the bounce.

"It was the perfect response after Saturday," Atkins said. "It's results like that away from home that give everyone confidence and hopefully we can now push on and go on a run.

"They came in for extra training on Sunday, worked hard and have responded tonight and got the rewards we deserved.

"The first half was some of the best football we've played since I've been here, with our passing and setting-up play.

"In the second half, we found it very difficult to get out of our own half, especially when they pushed five men forward, but I thought we defended superbly.

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