OXFORD United’s new defensive coach Andy Melville says the team’s run of clean sheets is a testament to how hard the players are working for each other.

It’s five clean sheets – and seven and a half hours of play – since the U’s last conceded, when Yemi Odubade grabbed a last-minute consolation goal for Stevenage in Oxford’s 2-1 win over them on August 22.

And former Wales international Melville says the run is down to sheer hard graft, with the players taking a great pride in stopping the opposition scoring.

“It’s giving us all pleasure,” Melville said.

“There’s the three of us all working on it, and it’s credit to the players they have pride now in keeping a clean sheet, the headers they’re doing, the blocks, and we’re stopping a lot more crosses coming in.

“It’s good for us because we’ve got enough ability going forward. If we get it right at the back, we’re going to be OK.”

United recorded five successive clean sheets at the start of the 1960-1 season on their way to winning the Southern League Premier Division, but they have never before chalked up six in a row, so they would set a club record if they can keep Eastbourne Borough out at the Kassam Stadium this Saturday.

And Melville, capped 65 times by Wales, added: “They’ve got to go out there and get their mind set from the start. We rode our luck at times at Wrexham, but you make that luck by working hard – and if one person makes a mistake, another person gets him out of it.

“It’s not just the defenders. The lads going back for set plays are doing their bit, and we’re all going in the same direction.”

Manager Chris Wilder said no-one is looking too far ahead.

“It’s always the next game for us. We’re not looking ahead because it can all be wiped out very quickly.

“There’s a lot of experience in the staff with Jim (Smith) at the top, Alan Hodgkinson, Mickey Lewis and Andy Melville.”

Chairman Kelvin Thomas says he’s delighted to have someone like Melville, 41, helping out.

“Andy’s justified his position. I think he’s enjoying being involved, and five clean sheets is testament to the work he’s done,” he said.