BOSS Terry Brown was full of praise for his defenders following AFC Wimbledon's Tuesday night's defeat – despite being furious with Oxford's winning goal.
Dean Morgan's second half strike, which beat keeper Seb Brown a bit too easily at his near post, was enough for the hosts to take the points at the Kassam Stadium.
But the defeat could have been heavier if not for some fine defending, not least by centre-backs Pim Balkestein (pictured) and Matt Mitchell-King.
Brown said: “It was a sloppy goal we gave away again, but I was very pleased with Pim and Matt at the back - they were fantastic.
“We were playing against a really potent strike force , including perhaps two of the best wingers in the league, and they coped well.”
The Dons boss also ordered his shot-shy troops to take some pressure off top scorer Jack Midson's shoulders after the game – but it could have been a very different had AFC been awarded a first half penalty.
Sammy Moore was brought down in the area for what seemed a stonewall spot kick, but the referee ignored the Wimbledon man's appeals.
Brown added: “I thought we were very unlucky not to get a penalty in the first half – if it wasn't a penalty, then the ref should have booked Sammy for diving.”
