Oxford United boss Chris Wilder is urging his team not to be flash against the best, and trash against the rest.
He says it’s important the U’s follow up their impressive performance against League Two leaders Port Vale with a similar-standard display against opponents not so high in the table, starting with the visit of 15th-placed Aldershot Town this Saturday.
When they were in the Conference, Wilder was often critical of sides that raised their game against Oxford because of the grandeur of the Kassam Stadium and the size of their support, only to then drop back into mediocrity when they then played smaller clubs.
He said: “I don’t want us to be labelled as a team that raises its game when the big boys come to town and then doesn’t do it the following week.
“I don’t think I’ll get that sort of performance next Saturday.
“We had to raise our game against Port Vale. They are top of the league for a reason. Their front two lads are a real handful, they’ve got good players in midfield and they’re strong at the back.
“They take charge and try and dominate you, and their away record is absolutely first-class. They do that week in, week out and we’ve got to be like that, and make sure it’s not a one-off. So the test is the next match.”
Wilder told the Oxford Mail that he believes United have already shown in their home performances that they are a strong League Two side.
“I think everybody that’s played us realises that and the key now is to be consistent over a period of time. I don’t want us to walk away next week and people to point the finger at you.
“We have to show the same application . . . we have to make this a really difficult place to come and play.
“I think we have done that, to be fair. We’re a bit naive at times, but we deserve to be in the League and we’re showing that.”
Meanwhile, United centre half Rhys Day was able to play 70 minutes on his return from injury.
The former Wales Under 21 international made his first appearance since Oxford’s Wembley win over York City in a 2-1 behind-closed-doors friendly win over a Fulham XI at their London training ground.
Anthony Tonkin also completed 60 minutes after recovering from illness.
Matt Green and Jack Midson scored the goals.
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