ROB Atkinson admits it will be tough for Oxford United to hit the heights of their last Sky Bet League One outing today.

The U’s host Bristol Rovers in their first third-tier game for 21 days, aiming to make it ten matches unbeaten in all competitions.

That run includes four successive league wins, the last of which saw them thrash basement boys Burton Albion 5-1 on January 2.

United should have scored more in an imperious attacking display, but two postponements since then have stopped them building on the performance.

Alex Gorrin: Unbeaten run is just the start for Oxford United

Atkinson knows it is unreasonable to expect a similar scoreline this afternoon, but feels the U’s have done everything they can to maintain their rhythm.

“The key word’s momentum,” the centre back said.

“It’s not just for the team, it’s from an individual point of view.

“When you’re in that flow you want to stay in it.

“That in itself is also a challenge – we’ve got to pick up where we left off at Burton.

“Every single player that day was magnificent and it’s going to be tough to match that.

“We’ve had such a long break, but we’ve trained well and put ourselves in the best possible position.”

United’s good form has been built on a sturdy defence, with four clean sheets in their last seven league games.

Jack Stevens, Sam Long, Elliott Moore and Josh Ruffels have started every one of those matches, while Atkinson and Alex Gorrin have missed one each.

United have no injuries for today's clash and the 22-year-old believes having a consistent line-up has been key.

Atkinson said: “We’ve had to learn from our mistakes earlier on in the season.

“Every goal we’ve conceded we’ve looked at trying to and build on it.

“Slowly but surely we’ve looked a lot more solid.

“We had a bit of trouble at the start with injuries, but now we’ve had a little stretch to form relationships.

“It’s key to have that trust so you know you’re there for each other if you make a mistake.”

Karl Robinson: Oxford United must blow away the cobwebs quickly

Atkinson has had to build those links quickly, having only made his United debut this season.

Tomorrow marks a year since he was loaned back to Vanarama National League side Eastleigh having just joined the U’s and the former Fulham trainee reflected on a whirlwind 12 months.

He said: “It doesn’t seem long ago that I signed and times have changed drastically.

“I accepted I wasn’t going to play last season.

“When I signed the gaffer set down the plan and that’s gone pretty much perfectly.

“You’ve just got to be patient, bide your time and trust your talent.”