JON Whitney felt the scoreline flattered Oxford United as the Walsall boss was thrilled to see the visitors’ game plan work a treat.

Erhun Oztumer and Tyler Roberts scored to give the Saddlers a 2-1 win at the Kassam Stadium, for what was their first success on the road in 2017.

Walsall had a very deliberate approach aimed at stopping United’s passing game and Whitney felt the result could have been decided before the break.

He said: “I thought we were outstanding in the first half and 4-0 would have probably been a fair scoreline.

“I thought we completely passed them off the park and stopped them playing.

“They got the goal but we didn’t look like we were going to concede after that. I thought it was a comfortable away win.

“We knew we could nullify them a little bit because they look to play out from the back.

“I think we’re really good at pressing and on the transition I thought we were a danger every single time.”

Match-winner Roberts was making his first return to the Kassam Stadium since spending the first half of last season on loan at United.

He said: “It was a bit weird being on the other side, because I’ve never been here before (as a visiting player).

“It took me a while to settle in here, probably due to the fact it was my first loan.

“It’s got quicker at Shrewsbury and I’ve settled in really quickly (at Walsall).