NATHAN Holland felt Oxford United’s 3-1 win at Burton Albion spoke volumes about their togetherness.

The winger scored his side’s second goal as the U’s moved sixth in Sky Bet League One with an impressive performance at the Pirelli Stadium.

United head coach Karl Robinson watched from home again as he continues to isolate with Covid, while goalkeeper Jack Stevens was ruled out the day before with Glandular fever.

The verdict: Away-day pain is distant memory after classy Oxford United display

Their absences did not hinder the U’s and Holland revealed the manager was still getting his message across.

The 23-year-old said: “The gaffer called me in the morning and spoke about principles.

“It’s great to get a result for him, I’m sure he’ll be chuffed back home.

“We’ve got a great group, all the staff and the players are so together.

“It’s a unique squad and it just shows that we can perform without him here.

“It’s not like they’re bottom of the table struggling, they’re right up against us.

“It’s a big win, it moves us up the table and it’s a great performance from everyone.”

Karl Robinson: This was better than last season's 5-1 win at Burton

Holland struck two minutes before the break, sweeping home Sam Long’s cross via a heavy deflection off Michael Bostwick.

It was the West Ham United loanee’s second goal at Burton this season, having netted in the Carabao Cup in August, and his fourth overall.

He said: “I think I’ve added that to my game, I know that I can do that.

“I’ve been trying to get goals and assists and be direct, that’s the sort of player I am.”