OXFORD United's young braves were robbed of another great away win under Malcolm Shotton last night when the referee ignored a glaring penalty right under his nose.

Leading QPR 1-0 at Loftus Road with 20 minutes to go, United's star of the match Paul Powell had his legs taken away by Nigel Quashie as he burst into the box.

Yet referee Clive Wilkes from Gloucester, standing just a few yards away, did nothing - except wave on the trainer because Quashie had injured his leg making the challenge!

Kevin Gallen then rescued a point for Ray Harford's team nine minutes from time, leaving Shotton disappointed by the 1-1 scoreline, but still immensely proud of his players.

The U's had lost Phil Gilchrist, their best player of recent games, in only the ninth minute, but inexperienced duo Simon Marsh and Powell shored up the left side of defence admirably.

Shotton said: "The ref gave us absolutely nothing all night. It was definitely a penalty.

"I was absolutely delighted by our performance and am very proud of the way we played."

Goalkeeper Phil White-head, who made two telling saves from Gallen right at the death to ensure United came away with something, said: "Marsh and Powell were brilliant. That's probably the best two games I've seen them have at the club.

"A couple of months ago we'd have got beaten here. That shows the strides we have made.

"We defended very well, especially in the second half when it was at times like the Alamo."

The intensity of United's play took many onlookers by surprise.

Far from letting the season peter out, even though they have little to play for, they were the hungrier side.

Said Shotton: "I want us to win every game. The players know they dare not give less than 100 per cent or else they have to pay for it later in the week!

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