OXFORD United’s thrashing of Northampton Town last month has no bearing on this afternoon’s game, insists Josh Ruffels.

The U’s visit The Cobblers in Sky Bet League One, just 32 days after beating them 4-0 at the Kassam Stadium.

That victory began United’s current five-match winning run, although their opponents frustrated them for the first 49 minutes of the contest.

Karl Robinson’s side ran riot after breaking the deadlock, but Ruffels revealed the U’s are ready to put in a different type of performance today.

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He said: “It was 1-0 for a long period and we scored three near the end, so the scoreline flattered us a little bit.

“We know it’s going to be a completely different game and I’m sure their tactics will change.

“We need to make sure we’re on it.

“In this league anyone can beat anyone, so our home result doesn’t mean anything.

“When you win it breeds confidence and we’re flying at the moment, so we just want to continue that.”

United’s nine-match unbeaten run has catapulted them up to 12th in League One and within five points of the play-off places.

Northampton’s form is patchier, with one win in six leaving them 19th and just a single point above the relegation zone.

Neither side has played a league game for a fortnight, although both were in Papa John’s Trophy third round action in midweek – the U’s beating Cambridge United and The Cobblers losing 2-0 to MK Dons.

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The break has given Robinson the chance to rest key players and United’s head coach is looking forward to the challenge this afternoon.

He said: “We’re excited and fresh, we know it’s going to be difficult.

“These types of teams set up differently at home and it’s almost impossible to play against their style because they have so many good players.

“We know they’ll be disappointed with the result not too long ago and we’ve got to be ready for the best version of Northampton possible.”

United have no new injury worries, although Jamie Hanson felt some tightness in his groin after the win over Cambridge.