OXFORD United finished the season on a positive note as several out of contract players pushed their case for a new deal with a 3-0 win at Accrington Stanley.

Sean Rigg, one of just three players in the starting line-up whose deal extends to next season, rounded off a fine afternoon with the third goal in the 90th-minute after a quickfire double from James Constable and Deane Smalley put the visitors in charge.

It sealed a third successive victory for the U’s, who finished the season ninth in npower League Two – four points away from the play-offs.

Manager Chris Wilder (right) was delighted with the performance, which was the final chance for the out of contract players to impress before their futures are decided on Thursday.

He said: “It’s important that you finish well and we have done.

“I am full of praise for the players, they gave everything, as they did in the previous two games and they got their rewards.

“It was important I was fair and honest to the lads who are out of contract.

“There were eight in the XI in that situation so it was fair to give them an opportunity to go for it.

“It’s a difficult balancing act because we have to get it right on the financial side as well, but I will always look again.”

While the likes of Alfie Potter, Andy Whing and Max Crocombe can be confident of staying, one of those in need of a boost was who Smalley, who scored just his seventh goal in two seasons with the club.

Wilder said: “I think we all know he should have done a lot better.

“He will agree his first year wasn’t great and his second year has been massively interrupted by injuries.

“There is a decision to be made on him, but he’s not done himself any harm.”

Tyrone Marsh made only his second league appearance, coming on as a substitute following a successful loan spell at Staines Town.

The 19-year-old had a chance to score late on, but passed to Rigg for a tap-in – earning praise from his manager.

He said: “It was selfless play from Tyrone. As a young boy he could have panicked or wanted to score and impress, but he did the right thing.

“It’s absolutely a tick in the box for him, it was my favourite goal of the game.”