RICKY Holmes said Oxford United's first victory was a weight off their shoulders.

The winger came off the bench to score the third goal in the 3-1 victory at home to Burton Albion.

It ended a run of four straight defeats at the start of the Sky Bet League One season, lifting them off the bottom of the table.

Holmes said: "The lads were brilliant today. It’s something we’ve needed because if it had gone on any longer then you start thinking ‘it’s going to be a long old season’.

"Burton are a good side with experienced players, so it’s a great win for us in front of our own punters, who were brilliant today."

Jamie Mackie was another substitute and felt it was thoroughly merited, especially after the disappointment of twice losing a lead in the 3-2 defeat to Accrington Stanley.

He said: "It goes without saying that you go into the first game of the season and you’re looking at getting a first win under your belt and build from there.

"The lads really deserved that after a really tricky start and a tough week after losing on Tuesday night.

"We’ve all rallied together, done the right things and we’ve come out with a win."

Head coach Karl Robinson paid tribute to the supporters.

He said: "I want to say thank you to the fans. That was unbelievable and I’ve not experienced that at any of the clubs I’ve been at.

"With how low we’ve all been, but they took it upon themselves to be what supporters mean in the dictionary, not false fans.

"Criticising the game is so easy afterwards, but while you’re in the mire and in a dogfight you need people.

"They were unbelievable and they have been since I walked in."