‘I’m so pleased for everyone, getting that result is massive’ – Long on Gillingham Win

Sam Long was the hero on Saturday afternoon after the U’s defender netted two late goals in a 3-2 victory over Gillingham.

Oxford were two goals down with just 18 minutes remaining before Sam Winnall reduced the deficit. Long, who signed a new deal and scored in a 4-1 win over Shrewsbury on Tuesday night, capped off a memorable week with two match-winning strikes.

Speaking to the Oxford Mail, Long said:  “Everyone showed so much character to get back in the game.

“I’m so pleased for everyone, getting that result is massive.

“The character that we showed coming back from 2-0 down is incredible.

“We’ve thrown the kitchen sink at them at the end and luckily it’s fallen to me twice. I’ve done well to put it in the net.

“I said three games ago we had seven cup finals left and now we’ve got four.”

It’s now three wins in succession for the U’s after a 6-0 win over Crewe and 4-1 success over Shrewsbury. As a result, Oxford now occupy a playoff spot.

Oxford manager Karl Robinson was delighted with the turn-around but admitted the absence of supporters made it slightly less special.

He said: “I don’t remember it, I just turned around and jumped on my staff.

“I just wish people were here – it would’ve been a Bradford moment, or the Ruffs moment against Wycombe on the far side (both last-minute winners).

“Hopefully people are in the beer gardens and the whole of Oxfordshire is getting excited again.

“Four games to go and we’re in it – I don’t think anyone would’ve said that ten games ago.”