Brodie Spencer relishing Oxford United’s League One position

The U’s go into the game third in the division after an eight-game unbeaten run, defeating second-placed Stockport County last time out.

Aaron Ramsey’s men have truly established themselves as a top side in the third tier with only one defeat in their first 11 games with at least one game in hand on many of the other clubs in the league.

The midweek victory over the Hatters saw them climb from seventh to third, making it impossible to ignore their recent stellar form.

Spencer has played a key part in the team’s success, performing well in a rotated Yellows side having started seven of those 11 matches playing at both left back and right back.

The 22-year-old said: “I think you would rather have the team getting chased than trying to chase.

“So to be up there now is about just maintaining that and trying to stay in the fight come the end of the season.

“We knew it was going to be important to do that (beat Stockport).

“To try and establish ourselves in the league and show that we can compete with every team, which I think we were able to do.

“That was very good and positive from us.”

The Northern Ireland international added: “I think we have quite a confident group.

“The results and performances just enhance that feeling.

“We all believe in each other, how good we are.

“The managers give us that freedom to express ourselves and show what we’re about.”

Brodie Spencer is relishing being near the top of League One (Image: Darrell Fisher)

Spencer is no stranger to next opponents Barnsley having played at Oakwell for his previous club Huddersfield Town.

He said: “We know it’s going to be a tough one. I have played there before.

“When I was at Huddersfield, I know it’s a very tough ground to go to.

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“You’re not going to go there and just roll them over; they’re going to fight, they’re going to stand up the way we fought them.

The full back continued: “You have a team that down there at the start can sometimes be in the playoffs or pushing for automatic promotion by the end of the season.

“It’s about just taking every game as it comes and showing every team the respect it deserves.”

Spencer concluded: “We know how demanding this league is.

“You’re not going to have it all your own way.

“You come against a lot of different teams who play different ways and you’re going to face different challenges.

“It’s all just about sticking together and knowing that if we all fight for each other, we will get through those hard spells.”