KARL Robinson was pleased with the way Oxford United handled Wigan Athletic’s quality at the DW Stadium.

The U’s had the better of the opening half an hour and took the lead through a sublime counter-attacking goal, scored by Matty Taylor.

But Wigan tweaked their system and Callum Lang equalised, before Josh Magennis saw a goal ruled out for offside and Jack Stevens saved from Jack Whatmough late on.

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The U’s managed the game well to earn a point and Robinson was encouraged by his side’s ability to mix it up.

United’s head coach said: “We seem to be getting a reputation on the road as a dirty team and I like that.

“I think we were very good in the first half, tactically we got everything right.

“The players were very good in possession and the goal was probably one of the best goals of the season.

“In the second half, their quality and drive and the players they’re bringing on are going to make a difference. We’ve still got four or five players not available.

“This is a good point, it backs up the Gillingham and Sheffield Wednesday results massively.”

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Three days after the 7-2 mauling of Gillingham, United had to dig deep to earn a draw against a side now 20 games unbeaten and second in Sky Bet League One.

He said: “I don’t think anybody’s going to come here and be free-flowing.

“These are a good team, they’ve got some good players and they’re coached very well.

“You’re always on your toes, because you know they’re not frightened of changing either.

“That flexibility within our make-up is important. I think that’s a coming of age.

“I can’t see Wigan losing too many games between now and the end of the season.

“They’re probably the benchmark. They’re the best team I’ve seen this year.”

Jack Stevens: We put our bodies on the line

Centre backs Elliott Moore and Luke McNally were arguably United’s standout players, but Robinson felt they could have done better for Wigan’s equaliser.

The U’s did not press effectively and Max Power was able to take possession in the centre circle, then turn and pick out Lang who had space to run in behind and fire past Stevens.

Robinson added: “I’m frustrated with the goal, I thought the centre backs got that completely wrong.

“We got the press wrong, one went and two stayed, but when there’s no pressure on the football you have to drop your line.

“Other than that, we put our bodies on the line.

“I don’t think we asked as many questions in the second half, but the questions asked of us were answered with flying colours.”

A photo posted on social media showed Jordan Thorniley in the away end at the DW Stadium, barely a week after he was recalled from his season-long loan by Blackpool.

When asked about the centre back, Robinson said: “It’s a loss, isn’t it. He means so much to us.

“The bitterness of the transfer window is clearly evident. It’s frustrating, because he’s probably my player of the year up to that point.”