DANNY Hylton was thrilled to follow Oxford United head coach Michael Appleton’s final instructions as the substitute slotted an 87th-minute winner at Bristol City last night.

It rounded off a fantastic evening for the visitors, who responded admirably to slipping behind to a Joe Bryan goal inside two minutes at Ashton Gate.

Carlton Morris equalised on 55 minutes and Hylton came off the bench to calmly steer Junior Brown’s cross into the corner of the net.

Just before the striker came on, Appleton told him to go and score the winner in the Capital One Cup first round tie.

Hylton said: “That was the message and I was just delighted to go on and make a difference.

“The main thing was we won the game and it’s great for the boys, the club and the fans.

“I remember sliding a pass through to Junior and running into the box hoping he would pull it back.

“It was a great ball and I just managed to arrive and it went in.”

The goal confirmed an upset and put United alongside a host of Premier League clubs in the second round draw, which takes place after tonight’s fixtures.

Although the victory was against the odds, it was thoroughly deserved.

Appleton said: “It was a controlled performance from the second minute.

“I won’t say the first minute because it didn’t go to plan going behind as early as we did, but we got back into the game and grew in strength.

“I thought we dominated for long periods, if I’m honest.”

The U’s boss said Josh Ruffels and Morris came off with dead legs, while he also confirmed they are hoping to seal a deal for a young striker today.

Victory ensured it was a special night for more than 500 away fans who made the trip.

But it arguably meant the most to Jon Meades, who made his competitive debut more than a year after signing for the club.

He said: “I couldn’t have asked for a better debut.

“I thought our reaction to going behind was really good and we showed what a good team we are with the way we passed and moved.

“What a feeling.”

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