JOSH Ruffels praised Oxford United for keeping their cool to emerge from a combustible clash against Wycombe Wanderers with maximum points.

Both sides had four players booked, while the game’s key moment saw Adebayo Akinfenwa see red for grabbing John Mousinho by the throat.

The U’s were already ahead through James Henry’s poacher’s finish and it proved to be the only goal of the afternoon.

While it inflicted just the second defeat of the campaign on the runaway Sky Bet League One leaders, Karl Robinson’s men moved back into the play-off positions.

And Ruffels credited the hosts for the way they handled the occasion.

He said: “Of course, tensions run high and I think they put a few elbows in at times.

“I think Jamie Mackie lost his head a bit at one point, but we were professional in that sense and could have easily bit back.

“We didn’t, we kept our composure and we were professional in the way we played.

“The first half particularly with the sending off was a feisty affair.

“We scored that goal and could have scored a few more.

“It was a tough afternoon in the end, but I’m really glad we got the three points, it was a massive statement.”

The energetic performance was impressive, given seven of the starting line-up had also been in the XI against Manchester City.

But Ruffels paid tribute to the role of United supporters, who made it a five-figure crowd at the Kassam Stadium for the second time in three days – with another big gate expected against Lincoln City on Thursday.

He said: “It makes a massive difference.

“They were behind us the whole game and it will be huge on Boxing Day to have that fanbase behind us.

“We seem to embrace it and this week we’ve had two big crowds and done really well off it. Long may that continue.”

Henry made the difference with his 23rd-minute effort.

The midfielder had missed a fortnight with a thigh problem and is still not completely recovered, but his 11th goal of the season was worth the gamble.

He said: “On Wednesday I was still in a bit of pain and even today I wasn’t 100 per cent, but it was a big game and I needed to be out there.

“It was important to draw them back in and stop their run, but also get us back on track.”