MICHAEL Appleton believes Oxford United’s defensive strength and attacking versatility is making them a difficult team to face, writes DAVID PRITCHARD.

A 1-0 victory over Milton Keynes Dons via a late Kane Hemmings header lifted United back into the top half of the Sky Bet League One table.

It cut the gap to the play-off places to four points, with a game in hand.

While the win was a fifth in a row in all competitions, their strong record stretches back to mid-November, with just two defeats in 19 outings.

Appleton knows fortunes can change rapidly, but has been encouraged by displays at both ends of the pitch.

He said: “There’s a real steel about us and we didn’t look like we were going to concede.

“It’s a matter of keeping on top of them and making sure they continue to show the belief.

“I said to them before the game football can change very quickly if you allow it to, but if you’re in a good frame of mind then you become difficult to beat.”

Many supporters were expecting to see Marvin Johnson play in an attacking role to go directly up against Dons right back George Baldock.

Appleton admitted it had taken a lot of thought, but opted to play him at left back and instead rotated United’s other attacking players to cause the full back problems.

He said: “We wanted to keep asking George different questions.

“We had (Chris) Maguire out there, who is very different to Hally (Rob Hall). Jonno was our security.

“When I watched them against Bolton, George was their most attacking player and I wanted to make sure we nullified that.

“When you’re coming up against a side which has variation and quality it makes it that bit more difficult to play against.”

He added: “I thought they came here to get a draw and they nearly did in the end, but ultimately we were good enough to break them down.”