MATTY Taylor revealed he could not resist keeping a close eye on events at Fratton Park as full-time approached.

The Oxford United No 9 came off with 18 minutes left at the Kassam Stadium, with his side 3-0 up and Portsmouth trailing Accrington Stanley 1-0.

The U’s had done their job but knew a Pompey turnaround would see them miss out on the Sky Bet League One play-offs.

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And Taylor admitted it was difficult to focus on the game in front of him in the latter stages.

He said: “A few of the lads had their phones out, I think I asked Hally (Rob Hall) and Kells (Liam Kelly) what the score was over ten times in the space of ten minutes.

“You’re just thinking ‘please don’t score’.

“We’ve done our job and prayed for a miracle and it’s happened.

“We’re delighted, but the hard work starts now.”

Taylor’s header made it 2-0 to United after 28 minutes, taking his tally to 18 for the season.

Meanwhile, Mide Shodipo made it 12 for the campaign and Elliot Lee struck his sixth in 18 games since arriving on loan from Luton Town on February 1.

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Taylor said: “That’s what we want, goals coming from everywhere,

“Mide’s got a load, Elliot Lee’s got loads since he came in and the defence has over 15, which is magnificent.”

Taylor also brought up 50 appearances for the season against Burton, with only Elliott Moore featuring more times in 2020/21.

“Not bad for a 31-year-old,” the striker said.

“I’m proud of that statistic, I look after myself.

“I tell the gaffer I want to play every game, but I’ve kept my performance levels and energy levels high.”