OXFORD United’s gritty win at Dagenham & Redbridge proved the players have not given up on the season, according to match-winner Alfie Potter, writes DAVID PRITCHARD.

The winger, who was again used to good effect in a more central role, netted the only goal of the game five minutes before the break.

It ended United’s poor run, which had seen them pick up just one point from their previous five games.

While not at their best in east London, the U’s defended stoutly and when a good chance fell to Potter, he took it.

United’s players had been on the receiving end of some criticism during the slump, but the 24-year-old felt their display showed the determination in the squad to finish the season strongly.

He said: “There are a lot of people playing for their futures, so the season shouldn’t just peter out into nothing. “Everyone has something to play for in these last few games and I think we showed that with the way we battled. “We haven’t given up on the season and we need as many points as possible to climb as high as we can.”

Potter’s goal was a career-best tenth of the campaign, reaching a target he had set himself in pre-season.

It was also the fourth time is season his strike had been decisive.

“It’s definitely sweeter when the goal turns out to be the winner,” he said.

“I wouldn’t have minded if someone else scored another one to make it a bit more comfortable though.

“I saw the defender come charging out and all I needed was a good contact on it.

“I didn’t try and place it, I just tried to put my foot through it and fortunately there was enough power to take it past the keeper.”

Boss Chris Wilder, who before the season had called on the winger to score more goals, said: “Alfie’s got ten and maybe should have been closer to 15 for the amount of chances he has had. “But ten is better than last year, so hopefully there is another target for him to go at next season. “There are still two games to go and hopefully he can add to that total.”