Adam Murray says that it was extra work on the training ground that helped maintain Oxford United’s unbeaten start to the season.

The U’s followed up their opening-day win over York with a 1-1 draw at Kettering.

But their goal was a classic – a well-worked move that ended with defender Kevin Sandwith firing home from 12 yards out.

And skipper Murray was delighted that their efforts paid off – even if Sandwith is not normally the man given the responsibility for scoring.

“It’s a free-kick we have worked on in training,” Murray said.

“We try to vary our free-kicks and corners, and this is one we have been practising.

“Normally it is Beano (James Constable) who I pass to, but as he wasn’t playing I told Kev to do it instead and it worked well.

“When you do something like that and it comes off it’s always pleasing.

“It was just a shame the goal was only for a draw and not three points though.”

Murray played wide right and wide left in Saturday’s victory, but on Tuesday was deployed in what looks a more natural role in central midfield, just behind a lone striker.

However, the former Macclesfield man says that it does not bother him where he plays.

“With the squad we have got here, everyone just wants to play,” he said.

“Away from home you try and condense the play and not let them get on top, but it can be a difficult system.

“You get a little bit more space in some games, but as long as I’m playing I’m not bothered what position it’s in.”