KARL Robinson hoped Oxford United showed a level of desire to make Micky Lewis proud against Charlton Athletic.

The injury-hit U’s battled to a 0-0 draw with their Sky Bet League One play-off rivals at a sombre Kassam Stadium, following news of the club legend’s death from a short illness.

Lewis, who was just 56, became a fan favourite as he racked up 351 United appearances between 1988 and 2000, before filling every role from caretaker manager to team-bus driver as a member of staff.

The tenacious midfielder was nicknamed ‘Mad Dog’ by the United faithful and Robinson felt his players carried a similar mentality against Charlton.

The U’s head coach said: “It’s not so much about the flair and the great attacking play we’ve come to love over the years.

“It’s just people who cared for their football club.

Karl Robinson: Micky Lewis left a legacy at Oxford United

“You can criticise me and my players, but one thing about us is we care.

“I think it epitomises everything Micky believed in.”

A minute’s applause took place before kick-off against Charlton, after club secretary Mick Brown, business development manager Peter Rhoades-Brown and academy head of coaching laid wreaths in the centre circle.

United were indebted to Jack Stevens, as the goalkeeper brilliantly saved Ronnie Schwartz’s penalty in the final minute of stoppage-time to keep his tenth clean sheet in 18 matches.

Robinson said: “It caught the top of his wrist and flicked over the bar, so it’s an even better save than I first thought.

“Jack’s riding a perfect wave at the moment.

“If he can stay on that, he’ll really make us a competitive team.”