Man-of the match Andy Whing says that a second successive clean sheet has given both him and Oxford United great confidence.

The U’s built on last week’s 0-0 draw at Morecambe with Saturday’s 2-0 success over Northampton.

And Whing, who has been outstanding in both games, knows how important those results have been.

“We have moved on from last week,” he said.

“It was a good solid display then, and we have carried that one this week and got the three points.”

Whing had a tough test against the huge figure of Adebayo Akinfenwa on Saturday, and the game got off to a difficult start for the former Leyton Orient man.

“He’s caught me square in the mouth in the first minute and I’ve got blood all over my shirt,” he said.

“I thought to myself, ‘here we go, this could be a long day’, but obviously the size of him makes him a handful, but I thought we defended very well today as a unit.”

The penalty save from goalkeeper Ryan Clarke to deny Akinfenwa a late goal was particularly pleasing for the United defence.

And for Whing, another great personal display at the heart of the U’s defence is a great boost for his confidence.

“That was great,” Whing said. “Clarkey, whenever he’s called upon, delivers and to get a second successive clean sheet and four points from the two games is really positive.”

He added: “From a personal point of view, I think a bit of consistency and playing there week-in week-out has helped.

“I’m getting used to playing alongside Jake (Wright) and Damian (Batt) and it was another good performance from the whole team.”

And what about the penalty incident where Tom Craddock and Peter Leven argued over who should take the penalty.

“No comment,” he said. “I don’t want to be getting dragged into that!

“Lev took the last one and scored, and I guess you can see both sides, but I certainly won’t be putting myself forward for the next one.”