KARL Robinson was pleased with another encouraging defensive display by Oxford United in their win over Cambridge United.

The U’s claimed their first clean sheet of the season as Tyler Goodrham’s stoppage-time strike sealed a 1-0 victory.

Conceding goals was a problem for United last term as they only managed nine shutouts in all competitions, but they looked more secure in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Derby County and the win against Cambridge.

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The visitors did not have a shot on target all afternoon and Robinson has already noticed a difference in his side compared to last season.

The U’s head coach said: “We didn’t concede, so when you don’t play well you just be patient.

“Cameron Brannagan made an unbelievable block in the 89th minute and that wouldn’t have happened last year. That’s team spirit.

"When we weren’t playing well you’re saying to yourself ‘defend properly, ask the right questions’.

“When we weren’t great, we defended well. In times gone by when we haven’t been great we’ve pushed too many men forward and got picked off, conceded one and tried to get back in the game and conceded again.

“We showed tremendous maturity. I said this last week against Derby County, maybe it’s a different way of winning.

“We can’t knock it, we still get three points regardless.”

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Robinson is still targeting a right back with Sam Long the only player in that position, while the U’s boss suggested he is considering bringing in a left back before the transfer window shuts on September 1.

He also hinted at an experiment in defence when United host Swansea City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Asked if he was targeting a left back, Robinson said: “We’ll see, that’s to support what we already have.

“I think Sedds (Steve Seddon) has been outstanding and we know Ciaron (Brown) can sit in there, we don’t have any cover. We might make one change to that situation.

“I want to try something on Tuesday which I’ve seen in training and might surprise a few people.”

Robinson also suggested United have made progress in their search for a striker, revealing ‘we’ll hopefully have a decision for one on Monday’.

The U’s were linked with Swansea’s Kyle Joseph at the end of last week, with Sky Bet League One rivals Sheffield Wednesday also credited with interest.

United did not have a striker on the bench against Cambridge after Gatlin O’Donkor sustained an ankle injury in training.

WATCH: Highlights of yesterday's game

That was despite Slavi Spasov agreeing a new contract on Friday and Robinson explained his thinking.

He said: “He’s still not ready, even though he’s signed a new contract it is to go out on loan.

“We know when they’re ready and when they’re not ready. It’s something I’ve done my whole career.

“Cup games are important, but to be in the first team in league games you’ve got to do a lot more.”