LIAM Manning reckons Oxford United’s win at Derby County was one of the best during his time as head coach.
A brace from Mark Harris handed the U’s a two-goal advantage, before Martyn Waghorn set up a tense finale at Pride Park.
The three points lifted United into the top six of Sky Bet League One, and ensured back-to-back wins after the victory at home to Carlisle United.
Asked whether the performance was the best of his reign, Manning responded: “It’ll definitely be up there I think. It’s mad what can change around in not even a week.
“The atmosphere and energy five days ago was completely different to what it is now.
“When you listen to some of the things I said at the back end of last week around staying calm, not getting too high or too low, focusing on what we do every single day, and it will come.
“There’s no secret to it – it’s turning up every single day and accepting we’re going to lose some games, and it’s how you respond and bounce back.
“I have to take my hat off to the staff and players, they’re such an honest group of people that turn up and do it every single day.”
Nine of the starting line-up at Derby were at the club last season, highlighting the improvement in the squad following the battle against relegation in the previous campaign.
Manning said: “I’m quite clear it’s a squad game. We make changes and pick teams that we think can step onto the pitch and deliver.
“I didn’t look into it too much, who was here last year and who wasn’t because everybody plays their part.
“Yet again, I think the subs came on and had a terrific impact.
“What you see is a group of players working hard for each other and fighting for the club, and I think some of the most impressive stuff tonight was how we defended set pieces.
“They load it up and make it so difficult for you, but we stood up to it and showed bravery, discipline and a real spirit.”
The U’s head coach added: “They press and get after you, and we showed some good composure and bravery in our play, and real good variation.
“Naturally, you score and you get the emotional high, energy and excitement.
“We lost our way a little bit with people pressing on their own.
“It was quite an important message for the lads at half-time, to try not to hold onto the 1-0.
“You come to a place like this with the atmosphere and the strength they have in their squad, if you try and see out a 1-0 for 45 or 50 minutes, you’re going to be in trouble.
“I thought the lads did a terrific job in defending like we had to and showing quality in transition and to keep the ball.”
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