Karl Robinson delighted with Oxford United's response to beat Tranmere Rovers
Oxford United boss Karl Robinson delighted with response
By David Pritchard @OxfordMailOUFC Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United
Oxford United celebrate James Henry's first goal for Oxford United against Tranmere Rovers Picture: David Fleming
KARL Robinson was thrilled with the way Oxford United delivered a timely response to comfortably beat Tranmere Rovers.
The U's head coach had felt his side had come in for some unwarranted criticism in the wake of last weekend's defeat at Fleetwood Town, which saw them slip to 20th in the Sky Bet League One table.
But they hit back in the best possible fashion, as two James Henry penalties and a Cameron Brannagan strike earned a 3-0 victory.
Robinson said: "There were elements of nerves through the week with the disappointing results we've had.
"Maybe there was a bit of unfair criticism – I know we're not in a good place in the league, but it's so early on and there's a lot more to come.
"There were little things that happened in the week that maybe got the bit between our teeth a little bit more.
"You read silly comments being said – it's never local stuff, it's people in other parts of the country who have something to say about us.
"We were wounded in some ways by some of the things. You could see that in our tenacity in the way we wanted to play.
"I felt that air of confidence with how well they have trained this week, but I was so scared because of that.
"It was just nice for the players and the fans to get that unifying applause to each other at the end of the game.
"It's a nice place to be. I love watching that connection."
While the game turned out to be straightforward, it only came after a hiccup just before the warm-up.
Elliott Moore was withdrawn before the warm-up after suffering a back spasm, forcing a late change to the starting XI as John Mousinho came into the side.
He said: "Elliott has been brilliant all week.
"A lot of our set pieces were working for him and all of a sudden he wasn't there. You think 'here we go again'.
"I'm really pleased for all the players.
"I love good people and Mous is one of the nicest and hardest working men you'll ever meet.
"But that's why we have a talented bench, because you have moments like that."
And the end of the game saw a brief panic for the hosts as Shandon Baptiste was left writhing in pain after being fouled for United's second penalty.
The midfielder, who has only just returned from seven months out with a knee problem, thankfully got back to his feet after treatment.
Robinson said: "It was the banging of the ground (which was a concern), but it's the other knee.
"He just felt a twinge in his knee when he went down and lost a bit of feeling in it for a short period, but it came back and he felt he was OK to carry on."
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