BILLY Bodin says the Oxford United of last season would’ve let panic sink in during the closing stages against Bristol Rovers.

Following Bodin’s early opener, Sam Long looked to have ensured a comfortable last 10 minutes against 10-man Rovers when he headed in.

However, an Aaron Collins strike and red cards for Oisin Smyth and Stanley Mills made it a tense stoppage time for United.

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Bodin praised the impact head coach Liam Manning has had with the U’s, in changing the club’s fortunes this season after a flirt with relegation during the previous campaign.

“He always says he never gets too high or too low after a win or a loss, and I think that’s the same with the boys,” said Bodin.

“He’s quite calm in how he comes across and that definitely spreads onto the pitch.

“Last season, there would’ve been a lot of panic in that last five or 10 minutes.

“The lads are a lot more calm this season when we do come under the cosh like that. The lads know what to do and don’t make stupid mistakes.

“The red cards were probably a little bit harsh, but that’s part of football.”

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On the goal against his former team, Bodin said: “It’s always nice to get a goal, but whether it’s against your old club or not, it’s just nice to get on the scoresheet and help the team.

“As I took a touch, one of the defenders came sliding past and I just managed to get a good contact.”

While Mark Harris recently served a three-game ban, Bodin was tasked with leading the United attack, but has since returned to a role on the left.

He said: “I still probably would prefer to be slightly off the right, but I think the way the manager wants me to play on that left is quite narrow, and to find the pockets as much as I can.

“If the manager wants me to play wherever, that’s fine by me.”