ROB Hall admitted his first thought after ending a near-two year wait for a goal was to celebrate with those closest to him.
The Oxford United winger has endured two serious injuries since netting against MK Dons in November 2017.
But he was back on the scoresheet with a precious strike which set the U’s up to progress in the Carabao Cup against Sunderland on Tuesday night.
IN PICTURES: Gallery from Oxford United's Carabao Cup success against Sunderland
After the ball hit the net Hall raced over to the South Stand to share the moment, although he could not pick out everybody.
He said: “My family was here. I was trying to find my girlfriend, but she was sat somewhere else.
“It was nice, because they’ve been through it with me, especially my girlfriend.
“She’s probably sick to death of seeing me on the sofa with the ice machine.
“To see me play has probably put a smile on their faces.”
After being substituted, Hall watched on from the sidelines during the penalty shoot-out.
POLL: What's your dream quarter-final tie for Oxford United in the Carabao Cup?
And he had some final words of encouragement for goalkeeper Simon Eastwood, who saved from Marc McNulty to seal United’s progress.
Hall said: “I had to say to him in the huddle ‘Easty, I need you to save one of these’ and he pulled it out.
“I love Easty. He’s the best keeper I’ve played with regularly and to see the way he conducts himself every day is a pleasure.”
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