Oxford United hailed a new Captain Courageous last night as Darren Patterson won over the Manor Ground fans with his pluck and fight.

The Northern Ireland international defender, making only his second Oxford appearance since signing from York, scored just seven minutes into his home debut.

After a nasty clash of heads with teammate John Robertson, which left him needing several stitches, he played through the pain barrier with a brave display of commitment and leadership.

And the 31-year-old was desperately unlucky not to end up with a winner when, after Stoke had levelled, he rose to head in a match-winning late second goal only to see it cleared off the line by City's Frode Kippe.

"He showed great courage and he didn't want to come off," said United manager David Kemp after the 1-1 draw, the team's first draw in 17 matches and first since he took charge.

"The doctor was wondering about him, but he didn't want to come off. That's the sort of lad he is . . . we need characters like that at the club."

Asked how many stitches Patterson had, Kemp replied: "About 103! But he'll be OK for Saturday."

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