SAM Long hailed Oxford United's belief after his late double completed a stunning comeback against Gillingham.

The U's were 2-1 down with six minutes left and their play-off hopes appeared to be fading - until the right back scored twice to send his side into Sky Bet League One's top six for the first time this season.

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The hosts had been frustrated by Gillingham's game management for the first 70 minutes, with Vadaine Oliver and Robbie Cundy putting the visitors in control.

But within moments of the second goal going in, Sam Winnall reduced the deficit and the momentum changed.

United poured forward and Long headed home Josh Ruffels' cross, before popping up in virtually the same place three minutes into stoppage-time to spark wild celebrations.

The 26-year-old said: “Everyone showed so much character to get back in the game.

“I’m so pleased for everyone, getting that result is massive.

"The character that we showed coming back from 2-0 down is incredible.

“We’ve thrown the kitchen sink at them at the end and luckily it’s fallen to me twice. I’ve done well to put it in the net.

“I said three games ago we had seven cup finals left and now we’ve got four."

It completed an excellent week for United, who had already brushed aside Crewe Alexandra and Shrewsbury Town.

U's boss Karl Robinson lamented the absence of fans after the first victory and admitted they would have made the winning goal even more special.

He said: “I don’t remember it, I just turned around and jumped on my staff.

“I just wish people were here – it would’ve been a Bradford moment, or the Ruffs moment against Wycombe on the far side (both last-minute winners).

“Hopefully people are in the beer gardens and the whole of Oxfordshire is getting excited again.

“Four games to go and we’re in it – I don’t think anyone would’ve said that ten games ago.”