KARL Robinson hailed Oxford United’s togetherness as they ended their long wait for a first away league win of the season.

Jordan Graham’s spectacular 40th-minute free-kick proved the difference as the U’s beat Blackpool 1-0 to climb out of the relegation zone.

United had headed to Bloomfield Road in the knowledge their barren run on the road in Sky Bet League One was the furthest they had gone in a season without an away victory since 1967-68.

But a determined and dogged performance, alongside a moment of quality from Graham, earned a precious three points.

U’s boss Robinson said: “It's a vital win. We know we've been good at times, but not had the results to follow that.

"The never-say-die attitude, the ability to put bodies on the line, the ability to be one unified group is far greater.

“I’ve talked about the talent this team has got, but it’s helpless if you want to use it on our own.

“Today the players showed their talent can be part of a team.

“We’ve got to be better in certain areas and we’ve got to stick together because it’s only one win.”

Defender Sam Long added: "The whole side worked together as a unit to get the clean sheet.

“It was a very good performance and really good three points away from home."

Graham’s superb whipped free-kick was a fine way for the winger to not only get off the mark for the club, but to also end a drought in front of goal dating back to December 2015.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee said: "I was feeling good about my set-pieces today. Luckily it went exactly where I wanted it to go."