KARL Robinson was thrilled to see the fine margins go Oxford United’s way as they climbed off the foot of the table after a 3-2 victory against Milton Keynes Dons.

Two of the goalscoring heroes began the night on the bench, with Sam Long and Mide Shodipo making rapid impacts in the second half.

The latter, a deadline day signing on loan from QPR, smashed a brilliant winner into the net within two minutes of coming on.

Report: Oxford Utd 3, MK Dons 2

It went in off the far post and after seeing his side play well for no reward in recent games, Robinson felt that rub of the green was deserved.

He said: “We missed two chances before that and then the hardest one of all goes in.

“We’ve had games this year where that’s hit the post and gone the other side.

“It’s the first time the millimetres have gone in our favour.

“Maybe that comes from our desire. I’m really pleased and proud of the players.”

Long’s goal was more straightforward, the defender getting to Anthony Forde’s free-kick and heading in as Dons goalkeeper Lee Nicholls came out.

The defender said: “We’ve worked a lot on set pieces this year, because we knew last season we weren’t quite good enough, attacking-wise.

“I did it last year as well, coming off the bench and scoring (against Rochdale), so I might have a knack for it.

“I wasn’t in the starting XI, but you’ve always got to be ready. I’m really happy to come on and score.

“The last couple of games we’ve played well and not got results.

“Tonight we’ve probably not played as well, but got the result. It’s a massive win for us.

Despite getting the victory United craved, it came at a cost.

Rob Atkinson and Forde came off with groin injuries, while Sam Winnall pulled out with what United hope are just tight hamstrings.

But Robinson dedicated the result to Cameron Brannagan, who has been sidelined with a rare eye infection and is due to have another hospital appointment today.

He said: “That win was for Cameron Brannagan. I know the little man will have been watching.

“He’s an incredible human being, dealing with this difficult time in a very positive light.

“All of our prayers and wishes go to him.

“Hopefully we get some positive news for once.”