BRIAN Talbot defended his controversial decision to bring back Billy Turley in the Oxford United goal on Wednesday night.

The U's boss axed Chris Tardif and recalled his summer signing from Rushden but then watched in horror as Turley gifted Macclesfield the opening goal at the Kassam Stadium.

However, Mark E'Beyer's first goal at home, direct from a corner, rescued a point for relegation-threatened United.

The 1-1 draw lifts them four places clear of the drop zone, but to many, it was two points dropped.

The Oxford fans have a soft spot for Tardif, last season's player of the year, and they made their feelings known by chanting "Tardif, Tardif No 1", with Turley not helping his cause through a succession of poor kicks.

Talbot admitted afterwards: "I thought both goals were goalkeeping errors, and both goalkeepers made amends.

"Billy made a good save after that and their keeper pulled off a good save from Steve Basham.

"I knew when I picked Billy tonight it wouldn't be a popular decision by the fans.

"But I've got to have my hand on my heart and I've got to pick a team to win a game of football for me, as well as the club. I made a decision and I have to live with that, don't I?

"I know it's upset one or two people, but I've got to get the required points and it's going to be a battle.

"Hopefully, Billy will try and accept that he's going to get criticism and he's got to be a strong character because, obviously, I don't think it's comfortable for him here."

Explaining further his decision, United's manager said he felt Tardif could have done better for the goal against Rochdale, and should have done better for the first goal against Shrewsbury.

Oxford have now gone seven games without a win yet Talbot felt there were many positives to come out of last night's match.

"It was a battling, whole-hearted and committed performance, and I felt we just edged it," he added.

"Having said that, Clyde Wijnhard should have scored for them right at the end."

Macclesfield boss Brian Horton groaned: "We've now drawn nine games in which we've been in front."