JOHN Mousinho says Oxford United’s habit of scoring late goals is no accident.

The U’s have found the net 16 times after the 80th minute in Sky Bet League One this season, with ten of those coming since the start of 2022.

Even when you factor in the eight goals conceded by United in the closing stages, Karl Robinson’s men still boast a net gain of ten points – without which they would be ninth in the table.

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This could prove crucial in a highly competitive play-off race, where just three points separate fourth-placed United and Wycombe Wanderers, in eighth.

The Chairboys grabbed a 94th-minute winner against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday and Mousinho knows this staying power could play a big part in the promotion battle.

United’s club captain said: “I think Wycombe are relentless in scoring after 80 and 90 minutes and they’ve had success from it.

“I think there are a couple of factors – fitness is definitely a factor, and the character and the togetherness of the side.

“One thing I try to drill into the lads is that it’s not terrible to be level at 60 or 70 minutes, because the game will open up.”

Mousinho returned to the U’s line-up for their most recent late show, as Cameron Brannagan’s 83rd-minute penalty secured victory at Shrewsbury Town last Saturday.

You would not have guessed it was the 35-year-old centre back’s first Sky Bet League One start since December 2020 as he expertly led a makeshift defence through a 2-1 win.

Mousinho played either side of Luke McNally and Steve Seddon in a back three, with United down to the bare bones.

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Elliott Moore remains sidelined with the ankle injury he sustained last month, while Ciaron Brown and Sam Long missed out through illness.

The latter two were due back in training this week ahead of Saturday’s visit of Ipswich Town and their expected returns could see Mousinho drop to the substitutes’ bench.

Before the win at Shrewsbury, the veteran’s three starts this season had come in cup competitions after he missed the second half of 2020/21 following knee surgery last January.

These days, Mousinho is more commonly seen on the touchline as part of United’s coaching staff, but he insists he will be ready to step in again if required.

He said: “I have done (felt fit) all season, but I’ve not had to play Saturday-Tuesday.

“That’s been an advantage for me, being able to train hard with the lads every week.

“They keep me at it and I never want to be carried in training, I want to keep them at it as well.

“All of those things combined mean that when I’m called upon I’m physically absolutely fine.”