Brian Talbot believes that Oxford United's goalless draw at Barnet was further proof that they are getting to grips with the season, writes JON MURRAY.

He predicted that after a dozen games people would be able to judge what kind of season the U's would be heading towards.

Four weeks ago another year of mediocrity appeared to be looming. But United's manager and his players have turned it around superbly.

The 0-0 draw at Underhill stretched their unbeaten run to six games and lifted them to seventh in League Two.

Talbot said: "We're getting to grips with the season. We're in the top seven, are looking better than we did at the start of the season and in the last few games, we have improved.

"Hopefully that improvement will now continue.

"Before the start of the week, we had two hard away games and we would have taken four points.

"It was the same as when we had two difficult away games at Bristol Rovers and Darlington, we've done exactly the same as we did then.

"When, after the Rushden game, we had five games coming up and one was at home and four were away, people were a bit concerned.

"All credit to the players, they have responded in a really positive manner and in the four away games we are undefeated.

"We've got two wins and two draws, and that shows we are getting stronger mentally, we're defending our goal better, we have sorted out - don't speak too soon! - set pieces, and now we've got to take it on from there.

"Now we've got a platform hopefully for the rest of the season."

It was United's first goalless match since they drew at Bury in January.

"We slightly edged it in terms of chances," Talbot said.

"After 12 games it's a good time to reflect . . . I know the players much better now and they know me much better, and I think results have shown that."