JAKE Wright was delighted to help Oxford United beat rivals Swindon Town in midweek, but he views tomorrow’s league game against Exeter City as much more important.

The 26-year-old played a starring role in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie at the Kassam Stadium , which the U’s won 1-0 thanks to Alfie Potter’s late goal.

Wright was happy to secure the bragging rights, but the opposition was secondary to stopping the rot after United lost back-to-back games against Leeds United and York City.

The skipper wants more of the same tomorrow when the bread and butter of league football returns.

He said: “The derby made it a bit more interesting, but for me what mattered was we won, because I didn’t want to lose three in a row.

“You’ve got to compete exactly the same in every game and it’s no different on Saturday, we can’t win on Wednesday and not win against Exeter.

“That’s more important to me, getting out of this league, so we need to make sure we play with the same intensity, make sure we get the ball down and pass it, win your battle.

“Our home form has been brilliant this season and we need to keep it going.”

United’s defence has been rock solid at the Kassam this season, conceding once in four games.

Wright has been key to the success and led by example against Swindon with a fearless performance, making several crucial blocks.

The centre back puts his strong start down to being fully fit after a trouble-free pre-season.

“It was a brilliant atmosphere and a really good game to play in,” he said.

“I made a few blocks and won the majority of my headers, but I think it was just a case of being in the right place at the right time. I’d like to think it’s because I’m anticipating things.

“I feel really good at the moment, I’ve stayed fit and that’s been my problem half the time because I’ve been picking up little injuries.

“To stay fit is the most important thing for me and if I do that I think I’ll always do quite well.”