ROB Dickie rated Oxford United’s win at Portman Road as their best result of the season.

Matty Taylor’s 44th-minute finish at the end of an incisive break proved the difference, in what was only the U’s second triumph at Ipswich Town.

The visitors had to defend well in spells to preserve their clean sheet, while maintaining a threat on the break.

Karl Robinson’s men have been more fluent this season.

But Dickie felt to produce a victory when they really needed it to move back into Sky Bet League One

play-off contention spoke volumes.

He said: “We have had games where we’ve played a lot better, but I’d agree.

“The timing of this result has been really good for us to put us right back in the mix ahead of our run-in.

“We’ll still strive to play the way we want to, but sometimes when you come away from home it’s not always possible against a big club like this.”

He added: “It’s a brilliant result, the perfect away win.

“It’s one we’ve been waiting for all season, a nasty, ugly 1-0 win away from home.”

United had ridden their luck during a tough spell before Taylor’s strike.

They anticipated a backlash from the Tractor Boys after the break, but United’s commitment to get men forward in a bid to double their lead was key.

It meant Ipswich were not allowed to lay siege to the visitors’ goal.

Dickie said: “I wouldn’t say we were under the cosh at all.

“The manager said to us at half-time they were 1-0 down in their last game and ended up winning 4-1.

“So we were aware of the threat they held, but we’re a really good side and we’re so proud of ourselves for the way we dug in.”

The centre back was involved in some late drama, with Ipswich striker Kayden Jackson receiving a straight red card for a stamp in stoppage time.

Dickie had come in for some booing from the home fans who had felt he was making the most of contact in a second half where United managed the game well.

But there was no doubt over Jackson’s dismissal.

Dickie said: “He’s a good player, but he’s cost his side – not today, but I take it he’s got a three-game ban now.

“You can’t stamp on people.

“I’m not acting or anything, when you get hit or he stamps on you it hurts.

“I guess you could take it as a compliment.”