Michael Appleton wished the end of the season was still a month away after Oxford United continued their strong form with a 1-0 win at Newport County.

It saw them head into the close season on the back of a run which has seen them lose just twice since Appleton called in February for renewed focus in the final 15 games.

The spell has seen them record 27 points, the sixth best in the division.

The head coach said: “There’s a good feeling in the dressing room as you can imagine.

  •  United

“The end of the season has probably come about four weeks too soon for us, if we’re being honest, because there’s a resilience in there at the minute.

“It’s just nice we take a little bit of momentum into next season.”

United won the game, thanks to a wonder strike from in-form West Brom loanee Kemar Roofe.

But they also needed to be strong at the back to keep out a Newport side, who fought back well after Mike Flynn was sent off.

Appleton said: “I think it was a very professional performance, another clean sheet and a little bit of magic to win the game.

“Kemar’s full of confidence and as soon as it left his foot you knew it was a goal.”

With the season over, attention turns to reshaping the squad.

United are due to announce their retained list tomorrow, but Appleton strongly hinted Danny Rose would be offered a new contract.

He said: “I’d be amazed if you don’t see Danny Rose on the pitch for Oxford next year.”

The U’s boss said goalkeeper Ryan Clarke did not make the trip due to injuring a shoulder in training.

It meant Max Crocombe was named on the bench after returning from his loan at Nuneaton Town.