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Wilder remains optimistic

Chris Wilder

Oxford boss Chris Wilder says his side can still get in the play-offs despite slipping out of the top seven after a 1-1 draw at Plymouth.

The Pilgrims, who secured their npower League Two status with the point, went ahead after just two minutes when Robbie Williams fired home a 20-yard free-kick. The visitors equalised in the 36th minute through Asa Hall's screamer from 30 yards.

Wilder said: "There are still two games to go, six points to play for and this team is good enough to go and win two games. We have got Southend at home next Saturday and then go to Port Vale and until that final whistle goes we are aiming for the play-offs.

"Crewe have to go to Torquay next Saturday and with Torquay losing that now becomes a game they must win if they want automatic promotion so there is still a long way to go. I am pleased with the way we are playing although I was disappointed with the way we conceded, even though it was a deflected goal.

"The lead up to the goal could have been eradicated and we have not really dealt with doing that. We did not create as many chances as I would have liked but we were the side pressing for the winner."

Plymouth manager Carl Fletcher was relieved to end a nightmare few years for Argyle by keeping them in League Two.

He said: "It's been a tough few years for all of us here - including the staff - and it was important that, this season, we have done what we needed to do.

"I am honoured to be manager of this club, because it means so much to the community.

"The support all season - home and away - has been tremendous but all the praise for staying in the League, under immense pressure, goes to the players. They have been superb and I am proud of them.

"We got a good start and could have had a couple more before their player hit a worldy and they hit the post but we always knew it would be tough. We got the result we needed and now that gives us some breathing space. I am delighted."