A THIRD successive clean sheet shows Oxford United’s new-look back four are developing an understanding of each other’s games, according to Phil Edwards.

The goalless draw at MK Dons followed shut-outs in victories against Swindon Town and Rochdale – a feat the U’s only managed once in the whole of last season.

Edwardsjoined on loan from Burton only a month ago and centre back Charlie Raglan signed on deadline day, but they have been quick to gel.

And the right back admitted it was badly needed against the Dons, who exerted a lot of pressure.

The right back said: “They grabbed the bull by the horns and started to put pressure on us.

“The game was a bit open for us. We were giving the ball away in the final third but we had to dig deep and luckily enough we kept a clean sheet.

“You take any point – it’s hard in any league away from home.

“We’ve been training together now for about three weeks so we’re gelling a bit more together now and getting to understand each other’s games.

“Hopefully we can continue to keep clean sheets.”

Edwards may be new to the U’s, but has quickly grasped the scale of their support.

Following on from the sell-out at home to Swindon, the defender paid credit to the 3,892 away following.

He said: “To bring nearly 4,000 is special and is one of the biggest away crowds I’ve played in front of.

“We’re going to go to some tough places and we’re going to need them, so hopefully we can get the results to put smiles on their faces.”