Michael Appleton took pride in the character his young Oxford United side showed to bounce back from conceding a late goal and claim a 2-2 draw against Exeter City.

Alex Nicholls appeared to condemn United to a fourth home defeat on the spin when he headed the visitors in front in the 87th minute.

But James Roberts seized his chance in stoppage time to ensure the spoils were shared.

The striker was one of seven players in the matchday squad aged 21 or under who had spent time in the club’s youth system.

It was a brave move from Appleton in a game which had plenty riding on it, but the head coach was heartened with the response to the late setback.

He said: “It’s very easy for me to be critical, but I have to take the positive that they had the strength of character to come back as late as they did.

“It would’ve been quite easy for them to fall to the ground.

“In terms of the reaction I can’t praise them highly enough.”

He added: “I think you’ve seen a group of young guys playing with a lot of freedom, which is exciting.”

Four of the youngsters started the game and Appleton revealed his selection had been largely to do with picking players who had not been scarred by the previous week’s 3-2 defeat to Southend United.

He said: “I wanted to get 11 players who from a mental point of view were in a good place and relaxed.

“If we had got anything less than a point it would’ve been a travesty to be honest.

“Every now and again you need that bit of a lift and hopefully that will be the case.

“There are big moments in games and big moments in seasons – who knows, let’s see if this is one of them.”