KARL Robinson admitted he decided against substituting Rob Dickie against Doncaster Rovers to test the centre back’s mentality.
The 22-year-old was clumsily booked inside the opening ten minutes and then conceded a penalty which allowed the hosts to take the lead.
While the decision looked harsh, Dickie looked rattled for a spell before regaining his composure after the break.
Robinson revealed United had considered making a change, but instead opted to use it as a chance to see if the defender could dig himself out of difficulty.
The head coach said: “We were thinking about subbing him, but I have to see what Rob Dickie’s got.
“I know he’s quick, I know he’s talented, I know he’s great in the air, but I need to see what he’s like when he’s on the floor and see how he stands up.
“In the second half I thought Rob Dickie was magnificent.”
Ben Whiteman’s spot-kick was cancelled out by Gavin Whyte’s strike, but United’s resulting spell of pressure could not find a way through.
Instead Rovers, who looked on the ropes, retook the lead in the 90th minute through Alfie May.
A defeat looked on the cards, but Josh Ruffels drew the visitors level seven minutes into stoppage-time.
Robinson could not contain himself, although he quickly found he was the only one heading to the travelling fans.
He said: “I got carried away with the emotion and ended up 30 yards away.
“I thought the players would have celebrated with our fans but when I got there and turned round to see they were at the other end and I thought ‘oh, you idiot’.”
He added: “It’s 16 games with one defeat, an amazing run and I’m so proud of my players.”
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