Oxford stay focused amid cups distraction

KANE HEMMINGS . . . 10 goals this season, including three for Dundee

ATHLETIC travel to Oxford hoping that their hosts have taken an eye off the prize when it comes to run-of-the-mill Sky Bet League One action.

After scraping a 0-0 draw at Macclesfield in the FA Cup last Friday night, Michael Appleton's side were involved in more knock-out action this week in seeing off Southend 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Roots Hall.

That result takes the U's into the last-16 stage of the Checkatrade Trophy, the new iteration of the competition in which they reached Wembley last season before losing 3-2 to Barnsley in the final.

TRIP

If they manage to see off Macclesfield at the Kassam Stadium - the replay is on Tuesday - they will have a trip to Rotherham in round three.

Since coming up from League Two last season, Appleton's side have made steady progress and currently sit 14th in the table.

Coming out on top in close encounters is a useful skill to have for a side only three points shy of the top six.

For Appleton, the Southend success arrived in a derided competition that could prove a real benefit for his club.

"The players are delighted, although I'm probably more delighted with the way the penalties went," said Appleton, whose side were involved in a mammoth shoot-out earlier this season against Chelsea's under-21s which they lost 13-12.

"It was a close affair. They had periods in the game and, with how directly they get the ball forward, it makes it difficult.

"We had really good spells as well. It was a good cup tie in the end.

"This competition was great for us last year, getting to Wembley (losing 3-2 to Barnsley in the final) and we're down to the last 16, so who knows. It's a great opportunity for everybody."

Chris Maguire registered his ninth goal of the season at Roots Hall with a superb 30-yard free-kick in the 81st minute, before Anthony Wordsworth levelled from close range. The winning penalty was struck by 17-year-old Tyler Roberts.

Oxford have only lost one of their last eight outings across 90 minutes, a 2-0 defeat at Shrewsbury.