Oxford United boss on Sam Winnall's winner against Sheffield Wednesday

The striker had only been on the pitch ten minutes when he headed home Billy Bodin’s corner to give Oxford United a 3-2 win over his former club.

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It secured a vital first victory of 2022 for the U's after a tough start to the calendar year.

And it was a much-needed goal for the 31-year-old, who had not scored since the 4-0 win over Burton Albion on the final day of last season.

The strike came six minutes from time and Robinson felt the key moment was like something out of a comic book.

“We know he brings an awful lot of quality to us and we know that the longer this goes on he’ll be a real force,” the United head coach said.

“I felt a goal was coming from a set-play. We felt the delivery was getting there, we were getting the right runs and the right timing.

“That’s what dreams are made of as a footballer: you’re kicking to the end where your fans are and you get that powerful header.

“It’s almost Roy of the Rovers stuff. This is why this game is so special.”

United showed real character in front of their first five-figure home crowd of the season, twice responding after going behind.

Matty Taylor cancelled out Barry Bannan’s early strike in first-half stoppage-time, before equalising again moments after substitute Josh Windass put Wednesday 2-1 up on the hour.

It brought up 50 U’s goals for the 31-year-old, taking his tally to 14 for the season.

United had started in a 4-2-3-1 formation before switching to 3-5-2 late in the first half, while Elliott Moore was forced off at half-time with a muscle injury.

Robinson paid tribute to how his side stuck to the task as they hauled themselves in front and closed out victory.

He said: “It just shows you the strength of personality this team has.

“Today was a big day, we knew the crowd was going to be 10,000-plus.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult challenge against a very good team and I thought we stood up to the fight.”