CRAIG Hignett praised Oxford United for the way they ran down the clock in the closing stages to secure a precious victory.

The Hartlepool United boss was pleased with elements of the visitors’ performance, particularly during a first half where the U’s ended up playing on the break.

The visitors threatened to bag an equaliser in the final 20 minutes, but they were thwarted in the closing stages.

U’s boss Michael Appleton had called his side naive in the way they lost 3-2 to Luton Town a week earlier, but Hignett felt the home side professionally finished the job.

He said: “I would do the same thing, there’s a big prize waiting for them.

“They were 1-0 up and we had had a couple of chances, I would slow the game down and time waste as well.

“It’s just clever game management.”

He added: “Our decision-making in the second half was really poor, but the lads know that.

“They were trying to force the game at the end there and things happen that wouldn’t normally happen.

“Overall I’m pleased and disappointed.

“I’m pleased with how we came here and dictated the game, in the first half especially. I’m disappointed we haven’t managed to create anything.”