A MOMENT of quality from Callum O’Dowda gave Oxford United a memorable highlight which broke even head coach Michael Appleton’s calm demeanour.

The substitute raced clear to round Bury goalkeeper Nick Pope and slot home on 85 minutes to claim a 1-0 win at Gigg Lane.

It decided a dramatic game where tensions ran high, with Adam El-Abd sent off and Danny Hylton having a penalty saved.

But the result against the promotion-chasing Shakers saw United open up an eight-point gap over the bottom two.

The significance of the result was shown by the way Appleton, normally so reserved on the touchline, went on to the pitch to celebrate O’Dowda’s winner.

He said: “That was a bit of emotion bottled up because of how hard we’ve worked over the last couple of weeks.

“A little bit of composure from Callum got me off my feet, which doesn’t happen too often.

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“The players were screaming and shouting down the tunnel because there’s a real togetherness and they knew how important the game was for us.

“I think the performance (alone) would’ve been a big thing for us, just to make sure we came here and could compete and prove that we’re as good on an individual game.”

O’Dowda was left out of the starting line-up after an indifferent display in the 1-1 draw with Morecambe last week, but Appleton predicted earlier in the day he would still play a key role.

The U’s boss said: “I thought he looked tired on Tuesday.

“I spoke to him in the morning and said ‘it’s going to be a big game for you, but not from the start’.

“I didn’t expect him to come on at half-time, but that’s how it panned out.”

O’Dowda was introduced at the break for Alex MacDonald.

The winger was booked in the first half and Appleton was concerned further punishment could follow in the fired-up atmosphere.

It proved an excellent decision and when a red card did come, it was to Bury defender Adam El-Abd.

“I just felt it was the right thing to do,” Appleton said.

“You saw in the second half that when you’re on a booking anything mistimed the referee is going to get his card out.”