JAMES Henry has praised the way Oxford United have roared back into the Sky Bet League One promotion race.

A congested February, which contains nine games, appeared to have damaged the U's chances after defeats to rivals Peterborough United and Sunderland.

But Karl Robinson's side have won their last three games, scoring nine goals and conceding none.

It has slashed the gap to the play-off positions from eight points to just one.

Henry said: "There will be highs and lows in every season.

"We certainly rode out the little low patch we had and have come back fighting. That’s what we needed to do.

REPORT: Oxford Utd 3, Accrington Stanley 0

"We knew coming into this week if we had a good one we could get ourselves back in touching distance. I think we’ve done that.

"It’s about kicking on now and believing we can win every game."

United were not always at their fluent best in Tuesday night's 3-0 win against Accrington Stanley, especially before the break.

Henry's goal separated the sides, but came seconds after Sam Long made a vital block at the other end.

"It was a great block from Longy," the forward said.

PICTURES: Gallery from United's win

"It probably summed up the first half, we weren’t at the races, but at this stage of the season it’s about getting the three points, it’s not always about playing pretty football.

"We were a lot better in the second half and put a lot more pressure on them.

"Easty (goalkeeper Simon Eastwood) bailed us out a couple of times and that’s what we’re going to need through the season."