KARL Robinson hailed one of his best moments in football after Oxford United’s controversial late victory over Bradford City.

Jamie Mackie scored a dramatic 94th-minute winner to earn a vital 1-0 home success, helping the U’s climb out of the relegation zone.

But it could have been so different in a chaotic end to the Sky Bet League One game.

The Kassam Stadium erupted as Mackie thumped home a vital goal.

However the match then descended into farce as fans had to wait more than four minutes before it was allowed to stand.

Initially, referee Andy Davies ruled out the strike and awarded a goal kick – which started the move leading to the winner – to be retaken.

Bradford’s players appealed for a number of things – a moving ball, players in the area, a corner and a penalty.

But the sheer relief when the goal was finally allowed to stand was not lost on U’s boss Robinson.

“It’s probably one of the best moments I’ve had as a manager,” he said.

“I thought all the fans stuck behind the players and I can’t remember celebrating too much like that.

“It means so much to me and I think you can see how much it means to all the players and staff.”

“I don’t know any other job in the world that allows you to be that free-spirited in your ability to celebrate and these are moments in football that you have to hang on to.”

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United had dominated, but looked as if they were going to have to settle for a point as a lack of cutting edge again proved the problem.

They looked like paying the price moments before their dramatic winner, Lewis O’Brien seemingly missing a sitter for Bradford.

That prompted appeals for a penalty and corner, but U’s goalkeeper Simon Eastwood took a quick goal kick, culminating in Mackie’s goal.

Robinson added: “God, to see that ball hit the back of the net at the end in front of all the fans.

“Season’s hang on moments and that’s something that will live long in my memory.

“Hopefully a lot of people will be very proud of their team.

“I thought we were probably the best we’ve been at home consistently for 90-odd minutes.

“We controlled every area of the pitch and missed chance, after chance, after chance, but we got the three points and that’s all that matters.

“If roles were reversed, a penalty was given and we lost 1-0, I think I would be on the floor.

“It would be one of the worst moments in my career – 30 seconds doesn’t half make a difference in your life.”