Oxford was today breathing a sigh of relief as United were saved from relegation. The club owe it all to Gillingham, who beat Cardiff City 4-1 at home last night. It was enough to guarantee another season of second division football and safeguard jobs at the Manor Ground.

United's players and management were ecstatic and now look forward to a new season and, long-term, a new stadium at Minchery Farm. Whatever the outcome of Saturday's match at Millwall, Oxford are certain to finish 20th, one crucial place above the drop zone.

Manager Denis Smith said: "I'm delighted. This gives us something to aim for next season. We have to aim for a higher league and get that planning permission through to be able to play in a new stadium.''

Smith heard the result as he travelled back from Southend's Division 3 game with Torquay, where he had gone to scout for talent.

He now has to decide which of his dozen out-of-contract players should be offered new terms. Had Oxford been relegated to the Football League's lowest division for the first time since 1965, it might have been hard for the club to offer deals to any of them. Many United players were celebrating last night. They were given the day off today and won't report back for training until tomorrow.

Skipper Les Robinson, who admitted he had not been able to sleep for three days because he was so worried, said he was "absoultely chuffed to bits".

He added: "It's been an absolute nightmare recently but maybe I'll get some kip now."

Coach Mickey Lewis admitted it was strange that it was another club which saved them.

"It's a bit of a strange one with someone else doing it for you, but the season's over 46 games and you finish up where you deserve."