OXFORD United breathed a big sigh of relief to still be in the Emirates FA Cup after being second best to Macclesfield Town, according to winger Alex MacDonald.

A goalless draw was flattering to the higher-ranked visitors, who rode their luck at times against the non-league side at Moss Rose.

MacDonald admitted the U’s outfield players owed a debt of gratitude to Simon Eastwood for avoiding a cup shock.

The goalkeeper prevented Chey Dunkley from scoring an own goal in the first half and came up with a terrific one-handed stop to deny Paul Lewis in the 75th minute.

MacDonald said: “I think we all have to give thanks to Si. He pulled a few out the bag for us.

“That’s not the first time he’s done that this season. He’s been our best player all year and deserves the plaudits he’s going to get.

“We know it wasn’t good enough or anywhere near what we are about.

“Maybe at the end of it, playing as badly as we did, we have got ourselves into the third round draw, so overall it is a relief.

“We were second best all over the park, but the main thing is we have an opportunity to put it right when they come to our place.”

Macclesfield boss John Askey thought United had “got out of jail” with the result and his opposite number, Michael Appleton, agreed with the sentiment.

The United head coach said: “If I try and sum it up we’d literally be here all night.

“The only positives which come out of the game are we’re still in the hat and there were two or three performances from players who haven’t had much football, but can be happy with themselves.

“I’m not going to point fingers at individuals, I just thought at least seven or eight of the players were well below par.

“If you do that eight or nine times out of ten, you get punished.

“Fortunately Easty has made one big save to keep us in the competition.”

MacDonald struggled to explain why United had been so lacklustre, particularly given a haul of seven points from their last three games in Sky Bet League One.

He said: “If anyone could put their finger on it they’d probably be the best coach in the world.

“We can’t accept it, we addressed it in the changing room at half-time and full-time.”

Joe Skarz came off with a stiff back, while Curtis Nelson was left out to protect against a foot injury.