A DELIGHTED Darryl Eales was overcome with emotion as he described Oxford United reaching Wembley as a “dream come true”.

The U’s dug deep to hold off Sky Bet League One side Millwall and seal their place in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final at the home of English football on April 3.

Lee Gregory’s 64th minute goal gave the Lions, who had Mark Beevers sent off in the second half, a 1-0 win on the night.

But United’s 2-0 lead from the first leg of the area final proved crucial in ensuring they reached Wembley for the second time in six years, after their Conference play-off final success in 2010.

The final whistle was met with jubilation on the pitch and in the stands alike.

And chairman Eales could not hide his delight.

“I am so proud of the coaching staff, the players – they all turned up and gave a fantastic account of themselves – and the fans were just incredible,” he said.

“It was immense and for me it is a dream come true.

“I just can’t believe we are going there (Wembley).

“The league is the priority and we will still attack that with gusto, but boy oh boy does it give the players and the coaching staff a lift.”

It was a tight affair at the Kassam Stadium, but after Gregory had given the visitors the lead, United were not in the mood to let the chance of going to Wembley slip from their grasp.

The crowd responded brilliantly to Millwall’s goal and when Beevers was sent off for a foul on Danny Hylton, the U’s, despite spurning several opportunities, saw the game out.

A delighted Michael Appleton was full of praise for his team and the fans, saying it was the “best defeat he has had in his life”.

United’s head coach added: “I am absolutely chuffed to bits and delighted for everyone associated with Oxford – the players, staff and fans.

“These moments do not come round often and you have got to enjoy them.

“Even for someone like me, who is pretty chilled and relaxed, I am thrilled to bits.

“I thought every single one of the players put a shift in and the fans appreciated that because when they scored their goal, this place went electric. The fans were superb.”

Striker Danny Hylton has never played at Wembley and cannot wait for the final.

He said: “I feel quite overwhelmed, it is an amazing feeling.

“We are going to Wembley and we are over the moon.”

Defender Joe Skarz added: “We’re all just delighted for the chairman all the way down to the fans to get this club to Wembley and enjoy a really good day out.”