FOR much of last night’s game, it felt like we should fast forward to the inevitable penalty shoot-out.

Burton Albion’s regulars were struggling to break down an Oxford United team still working their way back to full fitness, who in turn were lacking the sharpness to consistently threaten.

But you can imagine Karl Robinson learnt a lot about his squad at the Pirelli Stadium, even though many of them are not the finished article – for this season or beyond.

Read also: Karl Robinson on Luke McNally and Josh Johnson

The back line included a 21-year-old playing his first competitive game in English football and a teenager making his full debut out of position.

There is no doubt Luke McNally took time to settle, as you might expect, and Robinson was growing increasingly frustrated with the centre back’s distribution in the first half.

His second 45 minutes was much more promising, as he showed the defensive instincts and physical attributes that would have earned him his move to United in the first place.

Leon Chambers-Parillon also deserves a mention for his display in the unfamiliar position of left back – other than one heavy backpass he barely put a foot wrong.

Having Jordan Thorniley between them must have been a huge boost, with the on-loan Blackpool man always making the right decision in possession and coming up with some key interceptions.

Ratings: Oxford United players marked out of ten

The U’s defence looked most vulnerable during the first quarter of the game, when Burton threatened to make their opponents’ inexperience tell.

United were fortunate to see John Brayford’s early chance bounce on to the line rather than over it, but the home captain’s volley that struck Omari Patrick was the only other time they went close before the break.

Robinson’s side again offered much more down the right, with Anthony Forde driving forward and sending plenty of crosses into the penalty area, while Billy Bodin showed some neat touches.

For the second game running their goal was built on that flank and finished at the back post, with Mark Sykes producing a perfect cross for Nathan Holland to return with a bang.

At that point it looked like the perfect away display, but the equaliser was a sloppy one to concede – even if it came after the five minutes of added time had been played.

United have had plenty of penalty practice in recent years, so we should not have been worried going into the shoot-out.

It was good to see Simon Eastwood remind us how good he is at saving from 12 yards, as well as the obligatory John Mousinho thunderbolt.

United now face a re-run of the 1986 Milk Cup final when they visit QPR in the next round – a big test, but one they will back themselves to pass.