OXFORD United’s commitment to sticking with their approach was the most pleasing aspect of the victory at London Road for manager Pep Clotet.

After three successive defeats the pressure was building again when Jack Marriott put hosts Peterborough United in front on 14 minutes.

But the U’s kept faith with their game plan, which paid off handsomely in the second half as they romped home 4-1.

Clotet said: “I’m really happy to see the lads produce what they did.

“They never fell for the easy ball of going long.

“They kept trying to break their lines and put their stamp on the pitch.

“When you’re winning 2-1 after losing three games you might have a feeling the team would drop deep.

“But all of the lads took one step forward and pressed even harder. They got the reward so I’m very happy.

“The lads have done it playing their way and it’s happened because of their commitment and desire to do it their way. That’s what makes it very good.”

Despite poor results in the last fortnight, Clotet has been encouraged by the way the squad have handled the slump.

He said: “The most difficult situation in football is when you play really well or are improving and you don’t get the result.

“It can get to a point where the players doubt themselves, but I’m happy to work with a group where that never happened.

“The more difficult or desperate the situation, the better they try to play, the more they try to train, the more they get united and support each other and the more belief they have.

“The fact they overcame it and got a result in a game that was really hard for us at half-time just shows the character these lads have.

“It’s a pleasure for me to work with them.”