Chris Wilder saluted the fans for the part they played in Oxford United’s thrilling 2-1 comeback win over Bradford at the weekend.

And he praised his players for continuing to believe, and not feeling sorry for themselves when they trailed for so long.

Steve Maclean and Tom Craddock grabbed the goals in the 77th and 83rd minutes as the U’s made it 18 points from the last 21 to climb to ninth in League Two – just a point off the play-off places.

“Our patience, and the backing of the support we had, were key,” Wilder said.

“It was really electric out there, and the support made a difference, it was first class. They stayed with the players and we appreciate that.

“They knew what we were trying to do, and people saw the reception the players got at half-time.

“The support was possibly the best since I’ve been here. They cheered us on and on.

“We let ourselves down at times, but they’re an honest group. we’ve added Steve Maclean and Paul McLaren into the group and they’ve settled us down a bit and made us play, and made us take that extra touch.”

The victory was thoroughly deserved as United dominated play with some super football.

“I thought we moved them about all over the place,” said the U’s boss.

“I was disappointed not to go in at half-time up. And we said ‘let’s not be an unlucky side, let’s make sure we get what we need to get out of the game’, and we did that.

“Yes, both goals were scrappy – Steve’s scuffed his and with Tommy it’s hit him on the side of the head – but some chances we created would have been goals of the season had they been converted.

“Playing as well as we did, it would have been a travesty had we not taken all three points.

“We got there in the end. But some of the football at times was excellent. I saw it at Torquay, we carried it on at Aldershot in patches.

“But I think this is, from the first minute until the 94th, possibly a complete performance, minus not sticking the ball in the back of the net.

“The way we moved the ball about, with everybody composed in possession, and the way the midfield were working, and the way the front three got after it and pressed and played . . . I’m a very happy manager!”

Wilder said former Tranmere midfielder Paul McLaren was his personal man of the match.

“There were some great performances all day long, Beano (James Constable) came on and did something for us, but for a home debut, it was a great performance from Paul.”