ALFIE Potter hailed a “perfect day” as he came off the bench to score and give Oxford United a much-needed victory over Tranmere Rovers.

The 2-0 win at the Kassam Stadium was deserved and saw Michael Appleton’s side climb out of Sky Bet League Two’s relegation zone.

Tyrone Barnett put United in front before half-time, but the result was only sealed when Potter bagged the second 17 minutes from time.

It was the winger’s first appearance for six weeks and his wait for a goal was so long he had to be reminded of his last – in a 3-2 defeat at Newport County in February.

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He said: “It feels very good, it’s been a while. I can’t remember the last time I scored.

“To get on felt good enough, so to get a goal felt even better and to win the game, it’s been a perfect day really.”

  • Highlights from the game, via Oxford United's Youtube channel

Potter was on hand to slam in Joe Riley’s low cross, which had reached the back post only because Danny Hylton had missed his kick in the middle.

“Dan’s trying to claim he heard me shout,” Potter said.

“I had a little feeling he was going to miss it to be honest.

“I just had to concentrate and make sure I got a good connection. Thankfully it went in.

“I think once the goal went in everyone felt relieved and settled down a bit to see the game out.

“After last week (a 5-1 defeat at Cambridge) it was important we won the game, no matter what.”

The strike should provide a welcome shot in the arm for both Potter and United, who have struggled to produce results this season.

It has meant a rare spell on the sidelines for the 25-year-old, who is hoping to go up a gear and help the team move up the table.

He said: “It’s been difficult, but I’m not one to knock on the gaffer’s door and say ‘why aren’t I playing?’ “At the end of the day, maybe I’ve not been doing enough.

“I’ve had a couple of chats with him and he’s just said ‘stay positive’.

“It’s up to me to work hard in training and prove to him I can still be a good player in this side.

“He brought me on and hopefully I’ve repaid a little bit of that, but it’s no good doing it in one game.

“I’ve just got to try and get a little run going and hopefully the team can do the same by winning a few games and climbing away from the bottom.”

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