Matt Green, scorer of Oxford United’s vital opening goal yesterday, was so delighted he could hardly speak afterwards.

“I’m still shaking, absolutely buzzing,” he said, an hour after the match had finished.

“Everyone said it looked a real tight angle, and that it took an age to go in, but I just concentrated on hitting the target.

“The keeper came rushing out. I’d seen that he does that a lot, managed to get a touch round him and hit the target . . . then the rest is a blur!”

Simon Clist made the goal with a fine pass.

Green added: “It was a great ball by Clisty. He’s got that ability, he’s played League football. And throughout the team, we’ve got leaders. We’re going to enjoy it and maybe have a few beers, but after that it’s back to focusing on winning the final.”

Clist said: “I just won the ball in our half, played a one-two with Jack (Midson), Beano (James Constable) made a good run to take the defender away and I just spotted Greeny’s run.

“The defender caught him on his foot, but he stayed on his feet. He took the ball wide, but he did well to knock it in.”

The midfielder added: “All the players stuck to their jobs well and the crowd were fantastic. We deserved to go through.”