Robinson proud of Oxford display in draw at Doncaster

Oxford manager Karl Robinson hailed a “fantastic performance” from his side after snatching a dramatic equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Doncaster.

A strike from Josh Ruffels seven minutes into stoppage time rescued a point for Oxford, who were unfortunate to find themselves behind moments earlier after Alfie May’s strike.

Oxford were the more threatening side throughout but had to come from behind earlier in the game through Gavin Whyte after Ben Whiteman put Doncaster ahead from the penalty spot.

While frustrated to not win the game, Robinson was delighted with the performance.

He said: “I’ve seen Doncaster in the last three games and these are the best footballing team I’ve seen. Yet we were the best footballing team today.

“That was a testament to our players. I’m so proud of my players.

“We’re frustrated. We felt we were by far the better team for the first 20 minutes.

“They’re in the top six and Peterborough are in the top six. We’ve drawn 2-2 away at two very good grounds. Now we have to win our home games.”

Doncaster were gifted the opener after Rob Dickie was adjudged to have brought down Andy Butler, resulting in Whiteman’s successful penalty.

Robinson took issue with the incident and also believed the officials missed a header from Dickie crossing the line in the first half.

He added: “Andy Butler has fouled Rob Dickie and then Rob pulls him down. So Rob fouled him, no arguments about that, but the referee missed the first foul.

“The lads are also convinced that Rob’s header was over the line.”

Grant McCann admitted Doncaster would not have deserved to beat Oxford following the dramatic finish at the Keepmoat.

He said: “I knew Oxford were a good team, they’re the best team we’ve played at home this season.

“I won’t criticise my boys because Oxford were really good. The boys tried to do what they do normally but it didn’t come off.

“Credit to them, though, because they stuck to the plan. We ended up getting a goal, whether we deserved it or not – I don’t think we did.

“But we took the one chance we had so we showed some ruthlessness.

“Then we just switched off and Ruffels scores, swinging it off the post.

“It’s the first time it’s happened to us this season. Maybe we thought the game was won and that was the frustrating thing.

“I’ve said to the group not to let it dent their confidence or stop their momentum and we’ll go again.”