LIAM Manning was pleased with what he saw from his Oxford United side despite the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser during his first game in charge.

Marcus Browne gave United the lead just before half-time, however a late strike from Ash Hunter denied Manning the dream start away to Morecambe.

Manning though felt he saw enough from his U’s side to ensure he left Lancashire content with the point gained.

He said: “The timing of the goal so late on, of course I’m disappointed with that.

“If you look at it, we restricted them to very little so from that angle, we’ve got a disappointed changing room.

“Before I watch it back, there’ll be a large number of positives to take from it.

“The transition the lads have had to go through in terms of some of the behaviours I was looking for – the intensity, focus and discipline – was very good.”

The former MK Dons boss added: “The first half, there were so many positives to take.

“We want to control games by keeping the ball and dominating it that way.

“Understandably in the second half, we came out a little bit too nervous, anxious and emotional.

“We forgot what we’re ultimately capable of and it was a bit scrappy in the second half, we didn’t connect passes well enough but ultimately it’s a point gained.”

On the support the team received from the away end, Manning said: “The fans were terrific today and it was a long trip for them so a huge thank you to them for travelling up here and getting behind the team.

“Of course they’ll be disappointed but at the same point, what they saw today, the lads gave everything and ran as hard as they could.

“They showed elements of discipline and quality.

“Fans want to see people turn up and give it everything in the shirt.”