Patrick Hoban saluted Oxford United’s response as they came from behind to beat Carlisle United 2-1 and take a big step towards staying up.

The Irish striker played a starring role, finally ending the wait for a goal in his 13th start.

His powerful header cancelled out a long range free-kick from Paul Corry, which embarrassed an indecisive United defence.

Hoban admitted the manner of Carlisle’s goal was tough to take, but was thrilled with both the way United fought back and his own contribution.

He said: “Scoring is something I’ve been dreaming Scoring is something I’ve been dreaming about since I’ve been here about since I’ve been here and thankfully it’s happened.

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“It’s a bit of a relief obviously to get my first goal, but the three points were very important.”

He added: “At the time they scored you think ‘no way’.

“When you’re 1-0 down in this league it’s very hard to come back, but I thought we responded brilliantly.”

Hoban was grateful to a superb 38th-minute cross from Kemar Roofe, which he devoured.

He said: “They are the kind of chances I feed off.

“I have scored quite a lot of headers in the past, so when the ball came in I was just delighted.

“I had made the run, so if (Roofe) took another touch I would’ve been out of the equation, because I’ve met it full-on.

“It was a brilliant ball and the timing was perfect.”