JACK Stevens insisted his excellent display against AFC Wimbledon was all part of being Oxford United’s No 1.

The goalkeeper made a string of saves to keep out the visitors, who dominated the second half but left the Kassam Stadium on the receiving end of a 2-0 defeat.

United struck in the first 22 minutes through Jordan Obita and Matty Taylor, but Wimbledon had the majority of chances from then on.

It fell to Stevens to preserve the U’s lead and he rose to the challenge, making it four clean sheets in five Sky Bet League One games since he replaced Simon Eastwood.

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“You have to enjoy these days, because life as a goalkeeper is tough and they don’t come around too often,” said the 23-year-old.

“It goes with every position – you’ve got to do the business to keep your shirt.

“Everyone’s in the same boat and there’s good competition all around the squad.

“I’m just trying to do well for the team and help us get wins and clean sheets.”

United are now unbeaten in six matches, having not lost since Stevens came into the side against Ipswich Town on December 1.

A double-save from Ethan Chislett and Callum Reilly was Stevens’ main contribution in the first half, but he was busier after the break.

Ratings: We run the rule over Oxford United's players against AFC Wimbledon

The academy product made several stops, including when he got the faintest touch to send Ryan Longman’s effort past the post after the Wimbledon player was put through one-on-one.

He said: “I nearly didn’t get the credit, because the referee didn’t see the touch.

“It was an important time of the game – if that goes in it really would have been backs against the wall.”

It was Stevens’ best display since replacing Eastwood and head coach Karl Robinson felt it showed he deserved his chance.

He said: “It was always going to be a difficult decision.

“He conducts himself well off the pitch.

“It keeps you in the building if you train hard, work hard and be a good person.

“When you have that talent, it’s just about the timing of when that comes along.”