Aaron Ramsey praises Oxford’s resilience after beating Burton

Aaron Ramsey applauded his Oxford players’ resilience and relentlessness after their 3-0 victory over Burton.

Siriki Dembele broke the deadlock in the 76th minute, then substitutes Louie Sibley and Gatlin O’Donkor added two more in the last minute and in stoppage time.

Yet Burton had created the clearer chances before then and Oxford needed to defend stoutly and remain strong before coming good at the end with some relentless attacking.

The U’s won 4-0 at Leicester last weekend, and boss Ramsey said: “It was very pleasing to back up the win at Leicester with this result.

“It was a different kind of test but one we passed, and full credit to the resilience and relentlessness of my players. To end the game 3-0 was very special.

“The subs who came on were absolutely brilliant.

“We showed some real resilience to keep it level pegging and we knew that, going towards our fans in the second half they would drive us on. It was another big day for us and for the fans.”

Mo Missanga, 18, laid on the opening goal for Dembele with a fine cutback, and showed some outstanding moments.

Ramsey said: “He’s someone who can get fans excited. What I like about Mo is his reaction – if he loses the ball he wants to get it straight back.”

Dembele’s goal was his first for two seasons. Tyler Goodrham released Missanga who cut the ball back for Dembele to shoot high into the net from seven yards.

Peter Kioso hit the bar before Sibley made it 2-0 with a fine left-footed finish from 20 yards. Fellow sub O’Donkor then added a third after some lovely passing from the home side.

Albion rued not taking one of their chances. Simon Eastwood saved with his legs from William Collar and turned aside Charlie Webster’s shot towards the top corner. Raphael Borges Rodrigues also shot just past the post for the visitors.

Burton head coach Gary Bowyer said: “It’s about taking your chances and also stopping them going in at the other end.

“I know that sounds simplistic but it’s about getting those basics right. With all the goals we conceded I thought we should have been more competitive in stopping them.

“For us it’s about speed of learning now. It’s a young group.

“I felt we had the better chances but then in the second half Oxford had Championship quality players they could bring on and that made it very difficult for us.

“We were punished in the last 15 minutes, but more than the scoreline it was the manner of the goals we conceded that disappointed me most.”