Oxford United boss hails side's response in win over Torquay (From Banbury Cake)

Oxford United boss hails side's response in win over Torquay

9:30am Monday 11th March 2013 in Sport By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

James Constable celebrates putting Oxford United ahead at Torquay on Saturday, much to the annoyance of home goalkeeper Michael Poke

CHRIS Wilder was hugely satisfied by the way Oxford United reacted to their midweek mauling with a dominant performance at Torquay United.

Goals from James Constable, Damian Batt and Simon Heslop set up a 3-1 win which flattered the home side.

The U’s had enough chances to make the game safe by half time, but made up for it after the break.

It came on the back of a 4-0 home defeat to Rotherham United four days earlier and Wilder was thrilled by the response.

He said: “I think we’re a decent side, regardless of what happened on Tuesday. “The confidence took a massive smash so it was a real test.

“I don’t envisage Torquay going down, they’ve got too many good players and I’m sure once they get one good result they will be off and running. “With them having a free week and us having a long journey down as well it really was a big test for us and I thought we came through it with flying colours.

“You have to show a reaction, that’s part of being a player. “It happens to top players, top managers and top clubs and it’s how you react. “As I said all along about the team spirit, it’s easy when you’re doing well and winning games, now was the real time where questions are being asked about if we’re together and have we got the focus and desire to go again. “I thought they answered every question out there.”

The victory was set up by Constable, who scored the first goal and was fouled for the penalty, from which Batt doubled the advantage.

Wilder praised the striker’s attitude for keeping calm after missing two big chances in the first half. “There was no good ranting and raving at half-time,” he said.

“I thought it was an excellent away performance and I said the reason you’ve got in two or three times is with really good play. “The easiest thing to do was not to be positive, but I thought especially to go round the goalkeeper it was a really brave thing for him to do.”