CHRIS Wilder is hoping previous good behaviour will help avoid a touchline ban after he was sent to the stands on Tuesday night.

The Oxford United manager lashed out at a set of water bottles when a decision went against his side late in the 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon.

Referee Keith Stroud’s match report will be key in the Football Association’s response, which is expected today.

The official may deem his actions at the time drew a line under the matter, or it could go further.

Wilder apologised to the officials after the game and is optimistic a relatively clean disciplinary record will mean the officials look favourably on the case.

“I don’t know what the referee will do, but I’ll be disappointed if I don’t get (just) a slap on the wrist,” he said.

“I’ve managed for the last ten years and I was sent off once early in my career, in the Conference for a ridiculous decision by a referee and I’ve been sent to the stands (on Tuesday).

“I’ve not abused the fourth official or the referee and I’ve certainly not abused people on the other bench, who I respect.”

The unsavoury finale did not dim Wilder’s enthusiasm for the game, feeling it was the highest quality contest he had seen all season.

Patience in possession was a feature of both home wins against Wimbledon and Rotherham United, beaten 2-1 at home on Saturday.

The U’s boss is pleased his side did not compromise their style and believes it is partly responsible for average attendances of more than 7,300 – the third best in npower League Two.

He said: “I’ve heard before when they smashed it a few years ago that the crowds went down.

“I think people enjoy watching us play and I would if I was a supporter I’d enjoy watching that team.

“We play the right way, everybody tries to get on the ball and we’ve got footballers all over the pitch.

“On the other side of it, we’ve got players who want to do well for the club with fantastic attitudes.

“People like Michael Duberry who, no disrespect, is coming into the twilight of his career, but you see his attitude and drive and it’s a fantastic example.”