KARL Robinson declared Oxford United’s pre-season a resounding success, seconds after their final friendly ended with a defeat at Milton Keynes Dons.

Kieran Agard struck the only goal of a game where the U’s tough pre-season appeared to catch up with them.

But Robinson shrugged off the result, gathering his entire playing and coaching staff in a huddle on the pitch at Stadium MK to pay tribute to their work since returning from the summer break.

He said: “I just thanked the players for all their hard work and endeavour.

“I couldn’t have asked for any more, they’ve given me everything.

“It’s been one of the best five weeks I’ve had for a long time.”

He added: “We looked good at times but didn’t have that killer thrust in the final third.

“The whole idea of the last two weeks was playing under fatigue and now we won’t be. I’m not bothered at all (by the result).”

The real key from the game was getting through without any knocks.

MK Dons saw two players limp out of the game, but U’s physio Amy Cranston had a quiet night and the full squad will report fit for duty on Monday.

Robinson said: “This was about getting through it with no injuries, which is great.

“We’ve had no muscle injuries in pre-season, I’ve not had that before.

“It proves we’re in a good place. It proves we’re moving forward.

“We’re fitter than we were last year and we’re getting stronger.”

Although United would have wanted to finish with their eighth win in ten friendly games, Rob Hall felt a tough outing was preferable to a comfortable victory.

He said: “It was always going to be a good test here.

“It was their last pre-season game and they looked a threat.

“I’d say the first 15 minutes we really did well and then it became quite equal.

“We were a bit disappointed with that, but we put it down to fatigue because he’s beasted us for five weeks now.

“You learn more from losing a game of football than winning.

“But there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be confident going into next week, because we’ve had such a good pre-season.

“The way we’ve been playing, even when I’ve been watching I can see how the boys are really taking on what the gaffer wants to do.”