Oxford United boss David Kemp hailed Chris Hackett as "a breath of fresh air" after the 17-year-old capped a stunning home debut with a sensational individual goal in Saturday's win over Northampton at the Manor Ground.

The county sprint champion finished off a scorching 40-yard run by crashing home a shot from a tight angle to put the U's 3-1 up and banish fears about losing by the odd goal in five yet again.

A delighted Kemp said: "Chris was a breath of fresh air on the wing. He's a bright talent for this club.

"It was a great individual goal but a great team goal as well, because there had been some good passing before that.

Kemp did not allow Hackett to speak to the media afterwards, but the manager added: "I'm delighted with the performance.

"We haven't been playing as badly as our results suggest. We've been scoring goals but we've been leaking them at the back. Today we managed to improve on that and consequently won the game.

"But the outlook of the players, the spirit and the effort was tremendous and for once, they could come back into the dressing room having got the reward they deserve."

Kemp had gambled with an unconventional defensive line-up, playing four centre halves along the back line, but although they never looked entirely comfortable, it worked.

"We put out a team that got the job done," he said. "I've got to find a way to win games and that's what we'll do. I've got to use the players we've got to the best of their abilities...

Read more on This is United.