PATRICK Hoban praised Oxford United’s discipline as they kept cool to come out on top and win a fractious clash 1-0 at Bury.

Tensions ran high in a game which saw eight yellow cards, two of which went to Shakers defender Adam El-Abd.

United stood up to their hosts, but when the game boiled over it tended to be Bury players in trouble with referee Kevin Johnson.

Hoban said: “It went a bit over the top sometimes, but it wasn’t too bad.

“I always felt (El-Abd) was going to get sent off because he was a bit of a hot-head.

“It was a feisty afternoon because they were frustrated and we were on top.”

The Irishman felt it was not too difficult to stay in control, but stressed it was important to back up teammates who were on the receiving end.

He said: “You just have to make sure you don’t do anything too silly to get yourself booked.

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“But you have to be there for your team as well.

“If someone is getting pushed around like Danny (Hylton) was after missing the penalty, they were in his face, so you have to stand up for your teammates and not do anything stupid.

“I think our discipline is generally very good.”

Hoban’s wait for a first goal goes on, but he provided the assist for Callum O’Dowda’s winner.

He said: “I just heard the shout, but he still had a lot to do.

“With his pace all you have to really do is put it in front of him and he will just get on to it.

“It was a great finish to take on the keeper and slot it in well.”