The dressing room euphoria was back after Oxford United returned to winning ways at Gateshead on Saturday, said striker Jack Midson.

The former Histon hit man came on for the last half hour and played his part – though to many it went unnoticed – in Matt Green’s 63rd-minute winner which brought Oxford their 1-0 victory.

And after the match, Midson said: “We’d have taken that result after Tuesday night.

“We knew we had to win, and it was a bit scrappy, putting the ball in behind, but we would have done anything to win today and we put the work in to get the job done.

“The atmosphere was very good when we finished.

“The boys could have played a lot better, first half as well.

“But you’ve got to get yourself up for games like this, it was like a school match, a county game – and that’s not taking anything off the other team or away from the pitch – there weren’t many fans, and I think we had more than them, but there wasn’t much atmosphere.

“We had to try to get ourselves up for the game, and I think we did, especially second half.”

Midson was twice denied by fine saves from 19-year-old keeper Paul Farman, but Green’s sixth goal of the season was enough to see United home.

“The keeper’s pulled off a couple of good saves,” he admitted.

“The second one I should have scored, I actually kicked it at him rather than him making a good save, but it was a good stop just before.

“I’m happy to get more playing time as I have the last two games.

“I scored two games ago and played a bit more, coming on quite early in the second half, which I’ve done the last two games to get my match fitness up.

“It’s hard when you’re on for ten minutes, because you’re trying to impress.

“When you’re on for half an hour or so, you can relax and try to get into the game.”

Midson added: “The goal was a great cross from Steven, I made the near post run and I’ve obstructed the keeper’s view, so I’ve done my little bit for the team!

“It was a great finish from Greeny.”