STANLEY Mills is pleased with the progress he is making at Oxford United after impressing on his first league start for the club.
The Everton loanee had previously only made appearances from the bench for the U’s in Sky Bet League One, although he did begin the defeat at Bristol City in the Carabao Cup.
In United’s 3-1 win at Barnsley, Mills forced Jordan Williams into diverting the ball in his own net, following a strong run down the right-hand side.
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Mills said: “I got the ball, and being direct is what I do best so I got at the full back and tried to create, and luckily that’s what happened.
“Defensively, we’ve got to do the hard work first, but when we’re on the ball, just be ourselves and try and create.
“To be involved in a goal in front of the away fans was amazing.
“They’ve been great with us all season and they push us when we need it.
“It was a great performance from the team to come here and get three points.”
For Mills, whose dad played for Leeds United, a win in South Yorkshire was that extra bit special.
He said: “I supported Leeds as a kid so winning here is great.”
Having now been with his loan club for just over three weeks, Mills is eyeing more starts as the season progresses.
He said: “I think it’s going well. It was my first start and I think I did okay, so hopefully there’s more to come.
“I want to try and start as many games as I can here, so I’ll be working hard until next Saturday and we’ll see what happens.”
The U’s suffered a slow start to the campaign, with two defeats, but Mills said it failed to hinder the dressing room.
“There are always ups and downs in a season. The first two games weren’t the best but the gaffer was always telling us it will come,” he said.
“Win or lose, he’s the same. He keeps us grounded and keeps us working hard for the next game.”
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