MICHAEL Appleton was thrilled by the response Oxford United showed to falling behind as they stormed back to win 3-1 at Northampton Town.

It was comfortably their best result of the season, thanks to a big performance which saw off a Cobblers side managed by former U’s boss Chris Wilder.

But United, who beat Tranmere 2-0 on Saturday, had to make it back-to-back wins the hard way after trailing inside four minutes.

Danny Hylton scored twice in two minutes to give them a 2-1 lead at the break and the outstanding Alfie Potter bagged the third five minutes into the second half.

Latest United news:

Appleton was delighted with the way United, who crashed 5-1 at Cambridge in their previous away trip, dealt with the early setback.

The head coach said: “I told the players if we had come in 1-0 down I would’ve torn the dressing room apart.

“But the biggest compliment I can give them is the way they reacted to going a goal down. It was fantastic.”

The character on show was made even more impressive when United’s boss revealed the side, and particularly Andy Whing, were struggling with a sickness bug.

Appleton said: “There were four or five of them being sick at half-time.

“Whingy was actually sick before the game, he wasn’t well all day, so to get through the game as he did was fantastic.

“At half-time we were really concerned, I know he’s a pale lad anyway, but he looked white as a ghost.”

Hylton’s double took him to ten goals for the season.

The striker has been reliable from the penalty spot, but opted to change his technique by chipping the ball down the middle.

He said: “It wasn’t an arrogant thing, I just didn’t think he would stand still – if he does you look silly, but luckily enough he dived and the ball went in.”

Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.