CURTIS Nelson reckoned conceding a second goal just before half-time was the key to Oxford United taking only a point at home to Rotherham United.

The U’s skipper bagged his first goal of the season in the 40th minute, putting the hosts 3-1 ahead.

Had they reached the interval with the two-goal lead intact it would have given the Millers, who had lost five of their seven previous away games in Sky Bet League One, a mountain to climb.

But Ryan Williams pulled a goal back when a long throw was flicked into his path.

Nelson said: “We said it at half-time, if it was 3-1 it would have been a completely different situation.

“We gave them an opportunity to come back into the game at 3-2. They got their tails up.”

Nelson was the 14th different player to score in the league for United this season, but the centre-back was more bothered about the goals which went in at the other end.

He said: “The (attacking) football we played was really pleasing.

“I hope I get on the scoresheet a few more times, but I’ll trade goals for clean sheets any day of the week.”

“That doesn’t particularly bother me, it’s just an added bonus.”

The match was played in gusty winds as Storm Brian swept through Oxfordshire, which made every high ball a test for defenders.

Nelson admitted to breathing a sigh of relief when he failed to deal with one ball forward which saw Kieffer Moore sneak in and hit the crossbar.

He said: “I thought we got away with one there. The wind took me by surprise. I suppose, but we got lucky.

“It is difficult to judge, but I suppose that’s what us weirdos live for at the back.

“We’re defenders and that’s the kind of stuff we do day-in, day-out at training.

“It’s our job, so that’s meat and drink for us.”