THE congested Sky Bet League One table has provided a boost to Karl Robinson after steering Oxford United to their first successive three-point hauls of the campaign.

The 2-1 victory against Scunthorpe United only preserved their two-point cushion over the relegation zone.

But Bristol Rovers were the only other side below the top ten to win on Saturday, allowing the U’s to close in.

Also read: Jerome Sinclair on a high after man-of-the-match display

Robinson, United’s head coach, said: “We’re two points from 13th.

“In this horrendous season – which I think it is, even though we’ve played well and should have got more than we’ve got – one more win and we’d be stood here right in the middle of the table. Just one win.

“It means you can’t get too down when you lose, because so many are in it, but you can’t get too high when you win, because you’re still in the pack.

Also read: Photo gallery of Oxford United v Scunthorpe United

“We want to pull clear. I think everyone’s benchmark is 50 points and that’s something we’ve got to try attain in the next few months.”

Having scrapped their way to a dogged 1-0 win at Blackpool a week earlier, the U’s were aiming to be more expansive at home.

But until Gavin Whyte was brought on after an hour, it was a similarly attritional display.

Robinson said: “We had a tremendous steely performance last week that was lauded by everybody.

“But if you give that same type of performance at home it’s respected, but not cheered.

Also read: Mark Sykes encouraged by second-half display

“Then it becomes frustrating, so at home there’s more of an impetus on you.

“There was quite a driving wind from the open end, so even when we were kicking long it was dropping on the halfway line.

“I just think some of the tweaks the players made at half-time really made a big difference.”