Ryan Clarke got more satisfaction out of the recent win over Dagenham than Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Accringon – despite being man-of-the-match in the latter.

The goalkeeper’s superb individual performance could not help Oxford United pick up the three points at the Kassam Stadium, and Clarke says that he went home frustrated, even though he knew he had done well.

Clarke had little to do at Dagenham a fortnight ago, only really being forced to make two saves late in the game.

But while his heroics on Saturday looked for a long period like earning Oxford victory, Accrington’s equaliser left him with a sour taste.

“I can be happy with my own game, but I’m disappointed we didn’t win,” he said.

“I take more satisfaction in keeping a clean sheet at Dagenham where I only had a few shots to save, than on Saturday where I made some really good saves, but we didn’t win the game.

“I’d rather win than go home with the man-of-the-match award.

“I have been fuming a lot this season because so many of the goals we are conceding are going right into the corners and giving me no chance.”

United have only twice conceded more than one goal in npower League Two this season, a record Clarke is proud of.

“We have been solid all season, apart from at Crewe,” he said.

“It’s important that the five of us at the back are always switched on because we have a lot of the ball, pass it around well and are very patient, so there are spells where you don’t have a great deal to do.

“I did probably have more saves to make than normal, but that’s what I’m paid to do.”

Clarke added: “We were frustrated not to win, but I think if someone had offered us seven points out of nine, we’d have taken it.

“The result and performance won’t shatter our confidence at all. We are a confident bunch of lads and will go to Hereford next week knowing exactly what we have to do to get the result.”

STRIKER Deane Smalley leads the line for Oxford United Reserves against Southend United Reserves in the Totesport.com Combination North Division at Didcot Town tonight (7pm).

United include Wayne Brown, Steve Kinniburgh, Asa Hall and Josh Payne in their line-up.

Oxford Utd Res: Brown, Dorojaye, Kinniburgh, Whing, O’Donnell, Doig, Payne, A Hall, Payne, Smalley, de Silva. Subs: Marsh, Hinchcliffe, Morris, Alderman.