Mickey Lewis hailed the efforts of Kidlington’s players after they put up a brave fight against Oxford United in Tuesday night’s Oxfordshire Senior Cup final at the Kassam Stadium.

Although a strong U’s line-up eventually triumphed 4-0, with second-half goals from Mitchell Hanson, Ryan Burge, Simon Heslop and Alfie Potter, United’s assistant manager was full of praise for the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division underdogs.

“It’s nice to win it, but tonight was all about the game rather than the result,” said Lewis.

“I thought Kidlington were great. We have set high standards at this club and, without taking anything away from Kidlington, I didn’t think we were good enough in the first half.

“Perhaps our players took them too lightly, because Kidlington are a good side and we nearly got punished.

“Fitness was bound to come into it, but in the second half I thought we passed the ball better and quicker.”

Lewis also had some sympathy for striker Tom Craddock, who missed a first-half penalty.

He added: “I thought Tom’s attitude was great after he missed it.”

With Harry Worley suspended for Sat-urday’s League Two trip to Accrington, former York defender Jimmy Sangare could get his first start for the U’s, but Lewis would not be drawn.

“You can’t say for definite that he will play. I thought he did well and so did Mitchell Hanson.

“Harry Worley had to come off after going over on an ankle, but he’s suspended for the next two games anyway.”