LIAM Manning was happy to see Oxford United take a point against fellow promotion hopefuls Blackpool, despite conceding a stoppage time equaliser.

The U’s led thanks to Greg Leigh’s fifth goal for the club, and as the game went into injury time in the second half, United looked destined to be going top of Sky Bet League One, with leaders Portsmouth being held at home to Carlisle United.

However, Jordan Rhodes stole a point for the Seasiders at Grenoble Road, while Conor Shaughnessy grabbed a late winner for Pompey.

U’s boss Manning said: “We’re a disappointed group obviously with the timing of the goal that we conceded.

“We defended a lot in the second half but did extremely well and didn’t give them too many chances.

“The lads are disappointed, but you have to look bigger picture.

“In the first half, I was delighted. I really enjoyed so many aspects of it, including the goal which was outstanding.

“Then it’s just how you manage the game in the second half. We want to manage the game differently by keeping the ball.

“The big thing for me is that I’ll never turn my nose up at a point against a team that’s around you.”

Blackpool’s equaliser came after a period of sustained pressure in the final 10 minutes.

Asked if United sat too deep during the closing stages of the match, Manning responded: “It’s quite natural in games. They committed extra people forward and increased their intensity.

“It’s then how do we counter that? I thought we defended the box really well.

“The bigger picture is that I saw huge progress in the group and that we’re moving in the right direction in terms of improving, getting better and that will continue because of the way we work.”