Centre half Jimmy Sangare feels Oxford United have a strong team ethic.

The French defender says his dramatic goalline tackle at Accrington was just one example of how the players are prepared to dive in where it hurts to help each other out.

Sangare threw himself forward to make a miraculous goal-saving challenge on Andy Procter early in the game, which finished 0-0, after goalkeeper Ryan Clarke dropped a cross.

He said: “Clarkey said a big thank-you to me at half-time, and after the game, and on the coach back as well!

“He told me he made a mistake, but the gaffer has told us to be there for each other all the time.

“If one players makes a mistake, the other player has to be there. So luckily I was there at the right time, and I did what I can do.”

The former York City defender, who was making his first U’s start after patiently biding his time since signing in January, will make his full home debut in this Saturday’s game against table-topping Chesterfield at the Kassam Stadium, as Harry Worley completes his two-game ban.

“The manager said be patient, and I’ve been waiting for three months. It’s not easy, but I’ve always been there for the team.

“I got my chance and was delighted. I’m happy with the clean sheet.

“Chesterfield is going to be tough, but hopefully I’ll be playing again.

“I think we’ve done well against the good teams – Port Vale, Crewe and Wycombe, it’s a good test to see what you can do and achieve.”

United manager Chris Wilder said: “Jimmy got Clarkey out of a bit of a hole first minute.

“I’ve said all along . . . players sometimes have to get others out of holes.

“I don’t think we’ve done that well enough this season.

“This time Clarkey’s dropped one and Jimmy’s got him out of a hole. That’s great defending.”