Darren Patterson paid tribute to his players' fitness as Oxford United again came good in the second half to chalk up another away win.

A 48th-minute strike from Eddie Anaclet, his second goal of the season, brought the U's a 1-0 victory at York and the team's fourth victory in their last five away games.

It was also Oxford's eight away win in the Blue Square Premier, and another clean sheet.

Patterson was delighted with United's second-half reaction after he and his assistant Mickey Lewis had told them at half-time that they could do a lot better.

"We're performing very well, especially second half in games, and I think our fitness is showing through in these matches," he said.

"We'd come up on the day and prepared very well, but for some reason we were very lethargic in the first half. We looked over-comfortable.

"I want my players to be relaxed, but not too relaxed. I didn't want us to just turn up and think we would win it because every time we've done that, we've got beat. We were a bit powder-puff first half."

Anaclet's winner came after Yemi Odubade bravely challenged 18-year-old keeper Josh Mimms, who spilled the ball.

Patterson added: "Their keeper's a young boy. I'm not being disrespectful, but you've got to play on their weaknesses and he's conceded a lot of goals.

"We put a lot of balls in and around him first half and didn't get anywhere near him, and you've got to give a lot of credit to Yemi.

"He's given his body up, the keeper's dropped the ball, and Eddie's in the right hole to pick it up.

"I'm delighted for Eddie, because he was excellent again tonight.

"I thought we were in total control after the goal.

"So, maybe a bit lethargic first half, but I was very pleased with the players' second-half response."