MICKEY Lewis has praised Oxford United’s calm approach after they benefitted from an extraordinary string of red cards for opposing sides this season.

In six league games, they have ended up facing ten men four times.

By contrast, only four teams in the division have picked up fewer bookings than United.

Lewis is pleased the players have not got involved in the incidents, risking a dismissal themselves.

He said: “Let’s be honest about it, there has been some good football. But it’s League Two, so it’s competitive.

“I think we’ve been very calm under pressure and we have some experienced boys out there, especially at the back.”

Tomorrow’s opponents Cheltenham Town look unlikely to add to the sequence.

Mark Yates’s side have received just three bookings, the joint lowest in the division.

Red cards vs United this season

Aug 3: Portsmouth – Johnny Ertl (straight red for elbowing Danny Rose)
Aug 10: Bury – Nathan Cameron (bookings for a foul on Deane Smalley and dissent)
Aug 24: Wycombe Wanderers – Charles Dunne (straight red for elbowing Alfie Potter)
Sept 7: Burton Albion – Ian Sharps (straight red for kicking Dave Kitson)