MICHAEL Appleton was delighted after his pre-match plan worked a treat as Oxford United ground out a precious victory at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

On a tricky playing surface the game was played at a furious pace and the U’s had to withstand plenty of pressure from their direct hosts.

But a classy finish from substitute Jordan Bowery won the game 2-1, after Danny Hylton’s early goal had been cancelled out by Andy Barcham.

The club record sixth successive away victory in all competitions saw the U’s stretch their advantage in the Sky Bet League Two automatic promotion positions over fourth-placed Accrington Stanley to five points.

It was a contest where United were unable to showcase their talents on the ball, but that made it all the sweeter for Appleton.

The head coach said: “I said to the players at the hotel before the game that we have to be a team for all seasons – we have to win games differently.

“At times it felt like the Wimbledon of old, probably even more so.

“I was trying to work out the last time I played against a side that looked to get the ball forward as quickly.

“To be fair they do it well, so I understand why they do it.”

The U’s boss had plenty to smile about afterwards, with his game plan working a treat.

Many were surprised to see Bowery drop to the bench after scoring twice as a starter in the 4-1 win at Exeter City four days earlier.

But Appleton always felt Wimbledon’s style would not suit the striker until the game opened up in the second half.

And within three minutes of coming on, the January signing had his fifth goal for United in style.

Appleton said: “That was part of the plan – he’d come on after an hour or so when the game was stretched a little bit and hopefully cause a bit of dam- age.

“I just didn’t think the surface or our opponents' style would have played to Jordan’s strengths.”

He added: “Jordan was disappointed and angry not to play as you can imagine, but I said ‘you’ll be coming on after an hour and hopefully you’ll win the game for us’.

“The problem Jordan has got is he’s a very different player to what people think he is.

“They think he’s a battering ram and he isn’t – he’s a clever player and he hurts teams. He’s hungry for goals and you can see that.”

Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley felt United showed why they are in the automatic promotion places.

Ardley said: “If you get the slightest thing wrong against good teams they only need two or three chances to score.

“Oxford have proved that and credit to them, that’s why they’re up the top.”