AFTER the Kassam Stadium, the second-loudest cheer for Nathan Holland’s goal on Tuesday night will probably have been in Peterborough.

Oxford United’s opponents tomorrow will have enjoyed seeing the stoppage-time equaliser against Newcastle United, which meant extra time.

An additional half hour in the legs further complicates the U’s task when they visit Darren Ferguson’s Posh side, who had their feet up this week.

After the celebrations from Holland’s strike had died down, it was one of head coach Karl Robinson’s first thoughts.

“I said to Faz (assistant Derek Fazackerley) I’m sure if Darren is watching this then he’d be over the moon.

“If the roles were reversed I’d be extremely happy.”

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After the 3-2 win, Newcastle boss Steve Bruce remarked if any side were in need of a winter break, it was his.

United may beg to differ.

While the Magpies have been battling a busy schedule, if they get knocked out of the FA Cup in the fifth round they will play 44 games this season.

By the time Newcastle return to action, the U’s will have played 44 times already, which only brings their priorities this month into sharper focus.

Their packed February – Peterborough is game three of nine – offers precious little time to regroup before having to go again.

It means the big word is ‘recovery’.

Robinson said: “In the midst of all this we’re trying to do something on a Wednesday which is away from the training ground.

“In this period we can’t change the games, we can’t keep the players going out on the grass, it’s stupid and their bodies will break down.

“We’re trying to think of external things which are different to what we have here to make it better for the players.”

It saw the squad head to a health spa on Wednesday to get the midweek exertions out of their legs.

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After a rest day yesterday, it will be back into preparations for Peterborough today.

And the location of next week’s fixture is ideal.

“After Burton we’re going to St George’s Park and will use that for recovery on the Wednesday,” Robinson said.

“It’s the No 1 centre of excellence for football in this country, so it gives us a greater opportunity to perform better on the Saturday.

“The club have put a bit of money in to allow us to recover, we’re doing so much to try to plan.

“Youth is on our side, but also with that they have to learn how to recover properly.”

The amount United put into the game on Tuesday, emotionally as well as physically, it could take some getting over.

But Robinson expects it to be shrugged off in time for tomorrow.

He said: “They’ve not got a choice really have they?

“We can’t fly off to Dubai, we went to Champneys. That’s our little break.

“They’re footballers, they want to play games.

“There’s the gauntlet, you’ve got 17 games to put it in for your mates, that’s all it is.”