KARL Robinson praised his defence after Oxford United kept their first clean sheet on the road this season – against a side which has scored in every league game this campaign.

For the fourth time in five matches between the U’s and Ipswich Town this century, the sides played out a goalless draw.

Robinson said his team defended well against dangerous opposition, as going into the game the Tractor Boys had scored more goals than anyone else in Sky Bet League One.

“We were better first half and they were better second half, the difference in the second half being that we didn’t get close enough to their two holding midfield players,” said Robinson.

“We didn’t give them many opportunities, that’s good shape and good defending.

“The back four has come together, Herbie in front was outstanding again.

“I thought our decision making in that final third wasn’t great but from our point of view, I’m really pleased with the players, it’s a good point on the road.”

Robinson was handed a yellow card by referee Scott Oldham late in the first half, shortly after Cameron Brannagan was harshly booked for a soft foul inside the Ipswich half.

On his yellow card, Robinson said: “We’ve got tremendous respect in the dugout – I thought we were very calm on the touchline, that was the only time we ever said anything.

“The referee came over to me and said ‘maybe you’re right’ and that certainly didn’t help my blood pressure.”