LEWIS Bate was disappointed Oxford United didn’t take all three points from their trip to MK Dons, despite netting his first goal in professional football.

Sullay Kaikai gave the home side the lead with a smart first half finish, however Leeds United loanee Bate rescued a point for the U’s.

The 20-year-old’s equaliser came in the 71st minute and ended United’s four-game losing streak.

Bate collected the ball from Djavan Anderson on the right corner of the penalty area, before evading the challenge of Jack Tucker.

After buying himself space to shoot, Bate unleashed a left-footed effort from 25 yards beyond Dons goalkeeper Jamie Cumming.

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“When I first received it, there wasn’t a clear opportunity to shoot so I tried to work half a yard and get a shot off,” said Bate.

“Cam’s [Brannagan] told me to shoot many a time and just let go – that’s what I’ve done and thankfully it’s gone in.

“Obviously I’m delighted with my first goal, to come in a game like this when we were under the cosh in the first half.

“In the second half, we were brilliant and I think we deserved to win, and should’ve gone on to win.

“I think we were dominant and should’ve gone on to win.

“It’s the story of our season where we don’t have the finishing touch to get the three points.”

After netting his first goal in the professional game, Bate is now looking to add more end product to his performances between now and the end of the season.

Helping him along the way will be his fellow midfielder Brannagan, who is United’s top scorer so far this season with 10 goals across all competitions.

“Practice on the training pitch is massive, but confidence to actually take the shot Cam has helped me with,” Bate said.

“He’s a proven goalscorer, so I’ll listen to him.

“Seeing him in training every day and the goals he’s scored this season, it’s massive to learn from him.”

The U’s were outplayed by the Dons during the first half and after going into the break a goal down, were booed off by the strong away following.

“Booing us at half-time, you can’t complain, it’s the right thing to do when we’re playing like that,” said Bate.

“In the first half, we were miles off it and came in at half-time and got a grilling from the staff.

“We understand the frustrations, we’d lost four on the bounce.

“I said last week that this is the most together we’ve been all season, which is strange coming off four losses on the bounce.

“As a set of players and staff, we’re really together and we’re in a dressing room where we can have a go at each other.

“It’s nothing personal, it’s for the good of the team.”

READ MORE: Karl Robinson says Oxford United deserved more from draw at MK Dons

United head coach Karl Robinson had nothing but praise for Bate after the game.

“I make no apologies, he’s one of the best players I’ve ever worked with,” said Robinson.

“This boy is a magician but he knows he’s got to add goals and assists, that’s the next stage.

“This is a talent I’ve got so much faith in and someone I’m really enjoying watching play every week.”