Goalkeeper Ryan Clarke hailed Oxford United’s defence after Monday’s Blue Square Premier play-off semi-final victory over Rushden & Diamonds.

The supporters’ player-of-the-year kept another clean sheet to ensure the U’s reached Wembley – but pointed to the back line as the main reason.

“We were always confident that we would get a goal here, so keeping a clean sheet was always the aim,” he said.

“And I have to hold my hands up to the back four today, and the others in the squad who have played there this season, because they have been immense.

“They put their bodies on the line, and it makes my job so much easier.”

Despite being put under pressure as Rushden desperately looked for a way back into the game, Clarke had relatively few saves to make.

“I had one when I slipped, but on the whole, the defence stopped them from getting quite close,” he said.

“Over the two legs, we were the better side and deserved to go through. it’s just a fantastic achievement from everyone here.”

The former Bristol Rovers and Northwich stopper admitted there was a nervous tension around the stadium, but hailed the fans.

“There was bound to be nerves,” he admitted. “The players, the supporters – it’s only natural when you’ve got a game like this.

“But the fans were unbelievable again and when the second goal went in, we could all relax a bit.

“We’ll enjoy it now, then get back to the job in hand – winning at Wembley.”