Oxford United boss Darren Patterson saluted his players after they came from behind to earn a gutsy FA Cup replay victory on Tuesday night.

After 77 minutes at Dorchester's Jewson Stadium, they trailed 1-0 and looked like becoming one of the first round's biggest shock exits, following the goalless draw at the Kassam Stadium 11 days ago.

But James Constable rescued them with a 77th- minute leveller to take the tie into extra time.

And then subs Phil Trainer and Yemi Odubade struck to clinch a 3-1 triumph.

The result was worth £20,000 in prize money to the cash-strapped club, who now face Blue Squarte Premier rivals Torquay United in the second round on November 29.

Patterson, who came in for some flak froms fans after Saturday’s defeat away to Grays Athletic, said: "We're delighted to score three goals, we've been threatening to do it many times away from home.

"Over two games, we were the better side.

"It was a horrible sloppy goal to give away, but we showed great character and I'm really pleased for the players.

"We should have finished it in normal time really. But we kept going and kept going.

"Switching it around to put Sam Deering just behind the front two made a big difference, and I thought he was terrific there.

"Now we've got to start consistently scoring goals, that's the key."

There's no way of knowing how close Patterson may have been to losing his job had the Blue Square South strugglers won.

United chairman Kelvin Thomas would only say that he was very relieved to see the team through.

"The win was massively important for us," he said.

l Report & pictures: P 46