Darren Patterson says he wasn't surprised that his goalkeeper Billy Turley saved two penalties in Saturday's 3-0 win over Histon - because he believes he's the best keeper in Non-league football.

There have probably been only a handful of occasions in United's history when a keeper has saved two spot kicks in one match.

Turley wrote his name into the record books by saving from Antonio Murray and then Adie Cambridge in the first half before the U's turned on the style going forward with Matt Green notching a brace, and Michael Howard his first Oxford goal, in an excellent performance.

Patterson said: "It doesn't surprise me. That's why we signed Billy on a long-term deal and I believe he's the best in this division, not only with his quality but as a winner and a leader. I'm very chuffed for him."

Fans could see that many of Patterson's ideas on the training ground, and the extra quality with the new players he has brought in, are starting to reap dividends, and United's manager admitted to enjoying a near-perfect afternoon (they didn't even have anyone booked), although the start wasn't great.

"I was pleased with the whole day, apart from the first 15 minutes," he said. "After that we grew in stature and played some great stuff.

"After 15 minutes I was raging. Two silly mistakes really cost us, and Billy saved us.

"Greeny's goals were proper goals. The boy's had a bit of bad luck with his injuries, but I think he'll be a real asset for us."

Left winger Michael Blackwood also impressed, after a quiet opening, with some superb runs in the second half, for a very useful debut.

"Blackwood's a good player and a great professional," Patterson said. "He makes good, sound decisions without us having to scream and shout at him every two seconds. He knows when to hold the ball and when to play it and he's got end product.

"We've seen quite a few things when he comes off the line . . . we think he's got goals in him, which is something we've been sadly missing consistently, so we'll be looking for him to get goals as well."

He added: "This is a terrific result. I watched Histon play against Torquay a couple of weeks ago. Torquay won it right at the death and were lucky in my opinion.

"Histon are a hard team to play against. They're where they are for a reason. They've got a system that they stick to, and fair play to them because it's effective and it works, and you've got to be tough against it.

"And I think that's the first time we've mentally really dug deep, and kicked on.

"The setbacks with the two penalties could have really affected us but didn't. thankfully, Billy saved us but after that we grew in stature and there was a lot better decision-making in possession of the ball and we looked like a decent side, disciplined without the ball, hard to break down, good work rate and ethic, and a threat going forward."

The only concerns were further injury worries with Barry Quinn, Green and Howard all needing treatment.

Said Patterson: "Matt Green had a bit of cramp. He hadn't really trained since the Aldershot game so he's had literally about three days with Justin Richards training-wise, so we need to get them consistently on the training ground together.

"Craig McAllister's going to train on Monday, which is great because it gives me a few options."

Two-goal Green acknowledged the part played by his striking partner Richards.

He said: "I got the goals but it wouldn't have happened had justin not worked his socks off.

"I had a bit of cramp but it's fine, as is the shoulder. this was only my third Conference game, that's probably why I got a bit of cramp.

"The squad is coming together and really organised. And I've now got confidence in every player around me."