Former Republic of Ireland international Barry Quinn, Luke Foster and Adam Murray were in a strong Oxford line-up and the visitors won the game with goals from Jamie Constable, Jamie Guy (2) and Craig Reid.

"I wasn't happy with some players in the first half; we weren't doing the simple things, but on reflection there were several positives to come out of the game," said Sullivan.

"We were up against a team with some very good players so it was always going to be a difficult test."

Sullivan picked out Lewis Travers as one of the players who impressed him. Travers played as a second striker behind Troy Bryan in the second half following the injury to Scott Bridges and had an impressive game.

"It was in my mind to reshuffle things in the second half and play Lewis further up but it happened sooner than I thought," explained Sullivan.

"But he a very good game and it's something we can work on in the future. It gives up more options, like playing three at the back with an extra player supporting the front two."

Sullivan has obtained the services of Oxford defender Luke Bennett, who came on for the injured Ben Milner on Tuesday, on loan for the short-term at least. Sullivan is looking at possibly taking another player on-loan from Oxford after building up a good relationship with boss Darren Patterson.

Rushden & Diamonds Academy midfielder Paul Tocco came off through injury. Tommy Kinch, Terry Fitton and Travers also picked up knocks.
Meanwhile, Stuart Bridges has signed back on but is unavailable at present.