MATTY Taylor saluted the work of Oxford United’s support staff for the side’s incredible record of late goals this season.

The striker netted six minutes from time on Saturday to secure a 2-1 victory against Southend United.

Remarkably it was the 25th goal the U’s had scored in this campaign after the 76th minute.

It is as many as Karl Robinson’s men have netted in the rest of the second half combined, while they have conceded just eight times in the latter stages.

Oxford Mail:

Taylor put it down to the role played by the unsung heroes in United’s fitness and medical departments.

He said: “All the staff at the club are unreal.

“They know the times when we need a little rest and a gym session.

“They know how hard to push us and keep on top of the mileage we’re doing every week.

LEAGUE ONE: Run-ins for Oxford United and the rest of the promotion contenders

“We score lots of late goals and that’s testament to them and the boys to listen to what they have to say and put in the hard yards.”

United’s players were given two days off after the Southend victory to rest up after a gruelling February which saw them play nine games.

It was a welcome breather heading into the final ten matches of the campaign, ahead of Saturday’s trip to Shrewsbury Town.

While it has been a tough period, Taylor admitted there were benefits.

He said: “It is a bit draining, but it’s good in a way. “I half love it because you have a game then a day off, then you’re switched on for the next game. It’s a long season but you just want to play rather than train.

“We just have to keep our energy levels high and make sure everyone lives right on and off the pitch.

“There’s plenty in the tank, don’t worry about that, so we’ll keep going.”