Baldock wins Appleton plaudits

Michael Appleton saluted right-back George Baldock's late equaliser as Oxford salvaged a point with a 1-1 draw against Morecambe.

Kevin Ellison, who scored the winner when the sides met at The Globe Arena earlier in the season, fired Morecambe in front after 11 minutes. But Baldock cut in and beat three players with a superb run in the 87th minute and finished off with a shot from 18 yards into the top corner of the net. U's head coach Appleton said: "George scored a fantastic goal and we almost went on to win it. "We were bemused ourselves by how poorly we started and it wasn't that Morecambe were on fire or anything. "If you concede the first goal of the game, it is always difficult, and especially so against Morecambe with the way they play with three at the back, because the wing-backs can then tuck in. "There was a lot of anxiety out there on the pitch, but the players showed a real strength of character and great resilience. "I suppose I've got to be satisfied with a point, but I'm disappointed too that we didn't get more because the opposition had only one shot on target. "I think we probably deserved a point and we were unfortunate in the end not to get the winner." Josh Ruffels headed against the crossbar for Oxford in the first half and after Baldock's equaliser an effort from substitute Kemar Roofe was cleared off the goalline. Morecambe's goal was well worked, with Jack Redshaw firing in a fierce angled shot from 15 yards that U's goalkeeper Ryan Clarke could only parry. Ellison, 36, showed great determination to reach the loose ball ahead of his marker and follow up to score. Morecambe boss Jim Bentley was delighted that his team had shown a response after their 2-0 home defeat by Cambridge. Bentley said: "We wanted a reaction after such a poor performance on Saturday. "Kevin Ellison deserved his goal for all the work-rate he puts in. His endeavour and enthusiasm rubs off on everyone. "The late goal has killed us, but I'm just glad they didn't get a second because we didn't deserve that. "It was a really good, disciplined away performance from us, and we certainly had a good shout for a penalty. "Kevin Ellison was one of those asking the group for a reaction after Saturday and we got that. "Whenever we have had a set-back this season, we have bounced back well."