Swansea City 0 Oxford United 0

Last updated : 08 January 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Swansea City could not stop Oxford United from maintaining their 17-game unbeaten record but that did not stop Brian Flynn from hiding his smiles after this Vetch Field stalemate.

Ian Atkins' side are now 12 points clear of Swansea at the top of the table but Flynn thought his men edged this nail-biting thriller.

"I definitely think we had the better chances, we edged it," said Flynn.

"They are a very difficult side to play against and chances are few and far between but we knew that we would get one or two golden opportunities.

"But unfortunately for us their goalkeeper has made a great save to stop Andy Robinson. They don't give anything away and that's why they are top of the league.

"But Roger Freestone hardly had a save to make and I was very pleased at the way we defended as a team - that's probably the best we have done at home all season." The Swans dominated the opening stages of the game, looking to carry on where they had left off with two home victories over Yeovil and Macclesfield. But Oxford's five-man defence ensured hot-shot striker Lee Trundle did not have as much space as normal to shoot at goal.

And it was left to Lenny Johnrose to force visiting keeper Andy Woodman into his first save before Kevin Nugent went close with a diving header.

The Nationwide Division Three table-toppers did provide their hosts with more of a test after the break, Paul Wanless curling a shot just wide of the post with Freestone well beaten.

But it was Freestone's opposite number Woodman who made the save of the match, expertly tipping Robinson's long-range effort round the post when it looked to be heading for the bottom corner.

And visiting manager Atkins could not hide his delight at seeing his side snatch a priceless away point.

"I thought it was an excellent game and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it even though they had the better chances," he said.

"Both teams just needed a little bit extra in and around the box and if anyone was going to score it would probably have come from a mistake.

"But I am very pleased with the result because it is a very difficult place to come and I am positive they will be a top-three side at the end of the year."