Opposition view: Oldfield 'proud' of Oxford's 'collective effort' in upsetting Cobblers

Oxford City boss David Oldfield hailed a superb 'collective effort' from his players after their FA Cup giant-killing of Northampton on Monday.

The Hoops were the better side throughout the contest, even when Sam Hoskins put Town in front on just seven minutes, and goals from James Roberts and Josh Ashby deservedly set up a second-round tie at Shrewsbury Town.

“The boys worked their socks off," said Oldfield. "It was a strong collective effort and we’re very proud of them.

"The boys all have jobs, they all have to work. They all came here after working today, so it is a huge credit to them, to their attitude and their willingness to work. It is fabulous to see.

“We felt we started quite well and were disappointed to go a goal down, but it shows the character of the lads – it was a fabulous effort to come back from that, and from the first penalty not going in.

“We’re just sorry the fans are not here to celebrate with us. This is a real community club and it was such a collective effort from all the staff and the entire squad. We know how good Northampton are and I am very proud of our boys to come from a goal down and get over the line."

Roberts, who equalised with a header before missing the first penalty, told BT Sport: "Obviously we were underdogs coming into it and coming up against league opposition, we did a lot of due diligence on them and we knew if we matched them we could get something from the game. Thankfully we did.

"The first was a team goal and I was lucky enough to be there to nod it in. That says everything about the team, even against opposition higher than us, we do not give up.

"The FA Cup throws up different results and is a one-off game, we turned up today and we worked hard. We got what we deserved."

Oldfield had a special mention for Aaron Drewe following the defender's remarkable goal-line clearance from Mark Marshall’s low drive in the first-half.

“It was a staggering clearance," he added. "I have no idea how he did it, and it epitomised the never-say-die spirit of the lads."