CURTIS FLEMING'S post-match pint of Guinness was half-full, rather than half-empty on Saturday.

After receiving his man-of-the-match award from corporate sponsors in the Platinum Lounge, the former Republic of Ireland international remained positive despite the 1-1 draw with Oxford United.

As Quakers maintained their unbeaten start to 2005, Fleming felt the result was another step in the right direction after heavy defeats against Boston, Rochdale and Shrewsbury at the end of December.

"It's disappointing to lose two points at home, but it's another game unbeaten," said Fleming. "We finished the year with three poor results, but we've responded very well.

"We've cut out individual mistakes, which cost us important points at the end of December, but the lads have shown a lot of character.

"Oxford had a strike, which could have gone in late on and we might have gone home with nothing.

"I prefer to look at the positives and even though it didn't drop for us today, I'm sure it will on another day."

Following a gruelling Christmas schedule and three games in the first seven days of the new year, Quakers remain in the promotion hunt in sixth place.

However, Fleming does not feel Quakers have received the recognition they deserve after such a hectic period.

"We've played a lot of games in a short space of time and I don't think people appreciate that," said Fleming. "We've had knocks and suspensions to deal with, but the lads have come through it and we're still in with a good shout."

In the absence of injured skipper Neil Maddison, Fleming captained Quakers for the second time this season against the Us.

Quakers dominated the second half after Jamie Brooks cancelled out Adolfo Gregorio's eighth minute opener.

And while Fleming agreed that it was two points lost, the 36-year-old believes the performance puts them in good stead for Saturday's trip to fifth-placed Northampton.

"We've played very well against Oxford and we will go into the Northampton game with confidence," he said.

"If we'd have struggled and allowed them 25 shots then you're thinking 'We're going to Northampton and it's going to be difficult'. But we'll be going down there on the front foot, knowing that we're as good as anyone in this league."

Manager David Hodgson hopes to welcome back Craig Hignett at Sixfields. Hignett has been struggling with a virus for the last week and was an unused substitute in Saturday's draw.

Read more about the Quakers here.