CHRIS Maguire said he was always going to score the 93rd-minute penalty to give Oxford United three points on Saturday – even though his manager could not watch.

The U's forward was the coolest man in the Kassam Stadium as he stroked home a dramatic winner to give the hosts a 2-1 victory, their first in Sky Bet League One this season.

After Wes Thomas fired United ahead 13 seconds after half-time, it looked as though Michael Appleton's side would have to settle for a point when Tom Nichols levelled on 62 minutes.

U's goalkeeper Simon Eastwood produced a stunning save three minutes from time, but then with just 60 seconds remaining, Maguire was felled in the area by Jack Baldwin – who picked up a second yellow card – before getting up to dispatch the penalty.

It prompted a comical celebration from the Scot, who took exception to Posh goalkeeper Ben Alnwick's attempts to put him off by telling him which way to direct his spot-kick.

"I am confident and there was only one thing that was going to happen," he said.

"There was no point the keeper diving, the ball had hit the net by the time he moved.

"He was trying to put me off and he's entitled to do that, but it always comes back to bite you.

"If you want to try and mug me off then I'll just put it in the back of the net. That was what the celebration was about."

  • Video via Oxford United's official Youtube channel

Although the ultra-cool Maguire was never in doubt about scoring, the same could not be said of head coach Appleton.

"I didn't see it," he admitted.

"I went down the tunnel and was in the dressing room waiting for the roar.

"After I heard that, I came back out to try and organise things for the final minute."

Maguire admitted the result was a relief for both him and the team.

"It's a great feeling to get that first three points and for me a first goal," he added.

"We knew the first win was coming, but we have kept working away and got our rewards today.

"The dressing room is buzzing."