Surman's strike was a mark of his ability

Andrew Surman's second goal in a week and his marked improvement on the pitch against Oxford showed the old football adage of 'form is temporary' on Saturday according to Russoll Martin.

The 34-year-old was not alone in putting in a poor performance in the week against Shrewsbury, but bounced back with an excellent performance in the centre of the park, firing in Dons' goal after 14 minutes before making way just after the hour mark.

Martin said Surman's role in Dons' general play was excellent against Oxford, though admitted he had to bring off the midfielder after three relentless outings in the last seven days.

The manager said: "Surs is 34-years-old, playing on tough pitches with teams trying to do a job on him. He was outstanding today. He had to come off because he looked tired. And the same with Scott Fraser. He took a kick on the far side and we couldn't risk it.

"Form goes up and down – they've been outstanding on the whole. Tuesday was a game too many for a few. We've had a few injuries so we've had to play a few guys relentlessly."

Surman's goal came from the very back, started by keeper Andrew Fisher. With Oxford committing men forward, a ball around the corner allowed Surman, still deep in his own half, to turn into acres of space ahead of him. With the ball out wide with Ethan Laird, the wing-back stumbled into the area with the ball finding Surman on the edge of the box to fire into the bottom corner.

Though the style of play still leaves some with their hearts in their mouths, Martin said: "We get much more positive stuff playing the way we do than we do than negative. There will always be scary moments but that courage is highlighted by the goal. So many of our goals start with Andrew Fisher. The defence showed real courage and conviction, and they should come away with a clean sheet.

"The goal was outstanding. He got one last week, but this was of real quality. When he gets that far up, you always fancy him to hit the target. It was disappointing not to go on and create a second one and kill the game off."