LIAM Gilbert knows consistency is key as Oxford United bid to start 2020 on a positive note against Keynsham Town.
The U’s travel to the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier strugglers tomorrow (2pm) looking to avenge their 1-0 home defeat in November.
Gilbert’s side begin the year fifth in the table, despite losing 1-0 at Cardiff City in their final game before the Christmas break.
It was a rare reverse in an otherwise impressive month for United, which brought home triumphs over Plymouth Argyle and Yeovil Town,
And the manager is aware of the importance of stringing together a run of results.
He said: “Apart from the Cardiff game, where we made a few changes from the week before, it was a good end to the year.
“We found that consistency that we wanted, and we picked up some really good results.
“Hopefully we can start the new year in the same vein.”
Gilbert added: “Every challenge that we set this group of players, they seem to rise to it and match it.
“It’s now all about making sure that keeps going into the second half of the season.”
The U’s have a full squad for tomorrow’s match, with Immy Lancaster not far from full fitness after returning from injury.
It is a timely boost as Gilbert attempts to pick up three points from a clash that will be more difficult than Keynsham’s position of tenth suggests.
Back-to-back defeats at leaders Watford are the only losses suffered by tomorrow’s hosts since October.
They have also had plenty of time to prepare for the visit of United, with the postponement of last weekend’s game at Gillingham meaning Keynsham have not played since December 1.
The victory at Court Place Farm earlier in the season came in a contest where United did everything but score and their manager warned his players to keep their heads.
Gilbert said: “It was a frustrating day the last time we played Keynsham, one that the players will remember going into this game.
“But the attitude that we approach each game in is very professional, and we will stick to our game plan.”
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