OXFORD United fully deserved their victory in the Emirates FA Cup, according to Walsall boss Darrell Clarke.

The second round tie was goalless until the 84th minute, when James Henry converted Chris Cadden's cross to send the visitors through.

While it came late, United had enjoyed the majority of the game's chances and Clarke had no complaints.

He told BBC WM: "Oxford were the better team.

"They’re going to be a top six League One team with the way they move the ball very well.

"We knew that before the game and were trying to think of a different way of skinning the cat.

"My players aren’t at their level, or anywhere near it to be honest at the minute.

"I think effort, endeavour, desire from my lads was there to see, bodies on line.

Also read: Oxford United's record run is a thrill for boss Karl Robinson

"I think we had three chances to score the first goal and you’re not going to get many with the amount of possession Oxford have and you have to make the most of those.

"If you manage to sneak in front it gives you something to hold on to."

He added: "Oxford have quality through the team and have smashed a lot of League One teams recently as well.

"We knew it was going to be a difficult afternoon, we’re just disappointed we didn’t defend one ball coming in at the end there."

Defender James Clarke, who started his career at United, said: "We knew they were going to have a lot of the ball.

"I think we had a few chances – I know they did as well – but unfortunately when it comes down to being better in both boxes and they defended better than we did.

"Our game plan was to make them go wide and put it in the box. I think we defended the box very well.

"We did so well to only concede one because of the amount of blocks we made and the defending we did in our six-yard box. But it was quite late, which was very frustrating.

"We look at the way they play and set up and the gaffer was saying that’s a top six League One side.

"Look at the players and compare yourselves to them, we were saying after the game that’s what it takes. It’s a good learning experience."