CHRIS Maguire described Oxford United's late 3-2 Emirates FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough as "sickening".

The forward scored one goal and was heavily involved in another as the U's hit back from 2-0 down to level with two goals in as many second half minutes.

At that stage the Premier League side were on the ropes, but they rallied to pinch an 86th-minute winner through Cristhian Stuani.

United could take immense pride from their display, but Maguire was bitterly disappointed to be out of the cup.

He said: "We’re absolutely gutted in the dressing room.

"To come back in the manner we did in the second half I think everyone in the stadium expected us to go on and get another goal.

"We didn’t expect to lose the game and to lose it in the manner we did right in the last minute is sickening really."

Head coach Michael Appleton was frustrated to go out to a soft goal, but took some consolation from the way his Sky Bet League One underdogs worried Boro with the second-half fightback.

He said: "It was a great couple of minutes and turned the tie on its head.

"I did believe there was only going to be one winner.

"All of a sudden we were creating chances and they were hanging on at the end.

"The crowd were time-wasting, as were the ball boys and I suppose I can take a bit if comfort from that, but the reality is we won’t be the hat for the next round on Monday."

Skipper John Lundstram paid tribute to the 3,376 travelling fans.

He said: "When we got the first goal you could feel the energy coming from them on to the pitch.

"It drove us forward and I thought every single player and fan believed we could go out get the second and we did.

"Then I honestly thought we would go on to get the third.

"I think we can be proud of our performance.

"It’s massive credit to the gaffer. He’s moved this club forward unbelievably well.

"I don’t think anybody would’ve thought we’d be disappointed to be beaten by a Premier League side.

"That’s something we I wouldn’t have dreamed of a couple of years ago."