Oxford United boss Liam Manning says he was pleased with how his side overcame Carlisle United’s “direct” threat.

The Blues lost 1-0 at the Kassam Stadium thanks to Mark Harris’ second half goal.

Manning admitted his side were not at their best in the face of Carlisle’s first-half efforts.

But he felt they showed their better side as they got on top and then fended off Paul Simpson’s men.

“It’s been a tough week in terms of people being disappointed and frustrated [after consecutive defeats], which you could see in the first 20-25 minutes – I thought players were a little nervy and edgy,” said Manning in a club interview.

“But it’s about finding a way to win. Perfect football doesn’t exist. We got through the first half where we gave away momentum a little bit too much in terms of dealing with their direct play, and giving away too many fouls.

News and Star: Mark Harris, left, hit the only goalMark Harris, left, hit the only goal (Image: Richard Parkes)

“But in the second half the lads were outstanding. I’d have preferred it if they’d taken more of the chances, it would have been better for my heart, but it shows what the group’s about in terms of how they responded to a tough week.”

Carlisle looked to be on course for a battling point but Harris broke through in the 76th minute to win the game for the U’s.

Manning said it was a triumph for patience, adding: “Any game in this division is difficult. There are some really good coaches, some well-organised teams. No game’s a gimme.

“You have to work really hard to earn the right to win games in this division and we’ve done that today.”

Carlisle were unable to fight back and Manning reserved praise for central defenders Stephan Negru and Elliott Moore.

“I thought the two centre-halves were terrific, especially dealing with…their keeper kicks it a long way,” Manning said.

“Dealing with that aerial challenge…at Cambridge we didn’t do it enough but today, Stef and El were terrific as a pair and dominated.”