DAVID Oldfield revealed Oxford City still felt they could beat Shrewsbury Town as the prospect of a penalty shoot-out drew closer.

The Emirates FA Cup second round tie was 12 minutes away from spot kicks when Daniel Udoh scored what proved to be the winner for the Sky Bet League One outfit.

The 1-0 defeat after extra time was harsh on City, who took the game to a side three divisions higher than themselves.

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Even with both teams down to ten men after the dismissals of James Roberts and Shrewsbury defender Aaron Pierre, boss Oldfield revealed the Vanarama National League South club believed they could spring a shock.

He said: “We weren’t really thinking about a shoot-out.

“We felt that we were in the game and were disappointed by the nature of the goal. We were still trying to win the game.

“We very rarely go to extra time at our level and it was a bit of unknown territory.

“It was a big test for us, but the players responded fantastically.”

Shrewsbury’s only chance of note in the first half came when Shaun Whalley failed to beat goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski with a chip when through on goal.

The game opened up in the second period, but City had opportunities of their own through debutant Ben Gerring and Lewis Coyle.

Oldfield said: “I felt we didn’t start particularly well and we could have done better in some aspects of our play.

“Overall, it’s a very small criticism. The boys matched them and worked really hard.

“It was very disappointing to concede so late, but we’re very proud of the players and their efforts.

“We managed to restrict them in the first half and we had one or two opportunities.

“In the second half I thought we passed a lot better and created opportunities ourselves.

“We defended really well and there was real desire and commitment to keep it out of our goal.

“If we could have taken one or two of our opportunities, then who knows.”

The game’s main talking point was the double dismissal of Pierre and Roberts ten minutes before the end of normal time.

The pair appeared to kick out at each other on the floor after an aerial duel, with the Shropshire side today confirming they will appeal the red card.

Oldfield said: “James isn’t a dirty player, it was a coming together.

“We know he’s not that type of player.”

City, who are 13th in National South, now face a tricky test at fourth-placed Hungerford Town tomorrow night.

Their manager said: “We have to be ready to go again – we don’t have a choice.

“It’s going to be a very demanding game against a good team.”