MICHAEL Appleton was thrilled to see Oxford United stay in control of their promotion destiny heading into the final game of the season thanks to a 2-0 win at Carlisle United.

Chris Maguire’s fourth-minute penalty got them off to a superb start and after surviving some tense moments Liam Sercombe doubled the lead in the second half.

The result kept United third, but with rivals Bristol Rovers winning 4-1 at York City they still have work to do before thinking about automatic promotion.

But win at home to Wycombe Wanderers on the final day of the season next Saturday and it will be secured – which Appleton has been saying for weeks would be a scenario he would happily take.

He said: “There were a lot of very positive people who thought it might be the day, but always expected Bristol Rovers and Accrington would win.

“We did feel it would go to the last day of the season, as long as we won to keep it in our own hands.”

He added: “We came here last season and did well until the last 20 minutes, when we caved in a little bit (to lose 2-1).

“They are a different group now and I didn’t see that coming at all.

“They stood firm when they had to and kept a clean sheet again.”

Maguire was relieved United settled the game with Sercombe’s goal 17 minutes from time, after the home side had come close to an equaliser.

He said: “Being 1-0 up is an edgy scoreline and the next goal was always going to be very important.

“Thankfully for us we got it, but if we had a bit more composure in the first half we could have put the game to bed.”

United were roared on by 2,283 travelling fans, who had made the long journey from the south.

It was a sight which blew goalkeeper Benji Buchel away.

He said: “It’s incredible, I can’t believe they made such a long journey.

“They’ve been amazing all season.”