Skipper Andy Crosby hailed goalkeeper Andy Woodman for the performance of his life as Oxford United won 2-0 at leaders Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday to move into third place in Division 3.

Andy Woodman fists the ball away as Rushden pile on late pressure

David Oldfield had scored a goal-of-the-season candidate with a magnificent 25-yard volley, but even the veteran Aussie was upstaged by Woodman when Rushden laid siege to United's goal.

In a performance that surpassed his heroics at Charlton, 'Woody' pulled off eight or nine top-level saves, including two breathtaking stops that defied belief.

Afterwards, Crosby said: "I thought he was magnificent today. I think that is the best he has played in his career.

"He had a point to prove to their keeper, who was giving him a bit of stick, but he kept us in it because it was like the Alamo."

Rushden fired in 17 attempts on goal. But thanks to Woodman, and some outstanding defending, in particular from David Waterman, who twice cleared off the line, United registered their seventh clean-sheet win in eight unbeaten games.

Manager Ian Atkins said: "Woody was outstanding and I was pleased for him, because I brought Rushden keeper Billy Turley into the game as well when I was at Northampton. I paid £1,000 for him from Evesham and sold him on for £125,000 cash to Rushden.

"I bought Woody for nothing, and sold him for £100,000, because we needed the money.

"The two of them had a terrific rivalry at Northampton.

"That was the first time Andy's played against Billy and because of that friendly rivalry, it was nice for him to come out on top.

"Some of the saves were point-blank, but that's what he's there to do. He kept us in the game."

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