Long at the double to put U’s in the frame

KARL Robinson saluted right-back Sam Long after his two late goals secured the points for Oxford at the Kassam Stadium.

Gills went two goals up through Vadaine Oliver and Robbie Cundy.

But the U’s hit back with substitute Sam Winnall pulling one back before Long headed in an equaliser six minutes from time.

And Long was in the right place at the right time again to stab home Cameron Brannagan’s cross three minutes into stoppage time. It took Oxford into the top six for the first time this season.

Boss Robinson said: “It’s a special win for us. I’m really, really pleased with the mentality the players have shown.

“Sam has had an amazing ten days, what with signing a new contract and now scoring three goals in two games.

“His desire and perseverance is unbelievable. It shows why we need to keep this back four together.

“With four games to go we’re in it – and nobody would have thought that ten games in.”

Portsmouth’s defeat at MK Dons had opened the door for Robinson’s team, who had scored ten goals in their previous two games.

Oliver fired the visitors ahead five minutes before the break with a low shot on the turn when the home side failed to clear Ryan Jackson’s long throw.

Steve Evans’ men doubled their lead with Cundy turning in Jordan Graham’s cross from five yards.

Winnall replied with a low, longrange effort two minutes later.

Long levelled by heading Josh Ruffels’ deep cross into the top corner after 84 minutes and then popped up in the box again to stab home Brannagan’s cross in stoppage time.

Gills boss Evans said individual mistakes and not tracking runners cost his team, and he has now effectively given up on any hopes of reaching the playoffs.

He said: “We’re done now, we accept it. We played all the football, made all the chances, were two up and should perhaps have been four up.

“But then we didn’t go with our markers and let them back in it.

“All credit to Oxford for their neversay-die spirit, but I bet they’re glad they won’t have to face us again this season.

“It was three shocking mistakes which have cost us.”