Paul Warne said he was left feeling his MK Dons side were unlucky to be knocked out of the FA Cup by Oxford, describing the result as “bittersweet”.

The Dons’ boss spoke after his side played out a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup with the Championship outfit, with Aaron Collins’ first half goal cancelled out by a second half strike by Will Lankshear.

The tie would go to penalties, with Jonathan Leko missing the target and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans seeing his spot-kick saved by Matt Ingram in the moments that decided the tie in Oxford’s favour.

Reflecting afterwards, Warne said he felt that his side had proved they could go toe-to-toe with opposition from a higher tier.

He said, “The overall performance, I really liked. I thought we had the better edge on chances and thought that although we had to defend a lot of crosses, we did. Unfortunately, we got done with a long throw and they scored.

“Generally, over the course of the game, I thought there wasn’t much in it. That’s probably the best compliment I can give my players because at times, you wouldn’t know which team was which.”

He also said, “If we got absolutely smoked, I could come in here and say that it is what it is about levels and leagues and it’s fair enough, but I didn’t feel like that at any time.

“I’m pleased for the lads but then I’m heartbroken for the lads. I just didn’t think they deserved to lose. It was bittersweet. I felt for them but then I was proud of them in equal measure. The performance was there. The game next week away at Accrington will look different but if you keep that desire, you can hopefully go on a good run and go up the table.”