WHEN smoke started billowing out of the back of his classic Mini, owner and Oxford United fan Macauley Tarrant feared his trip to Carlisle United was over.

But thanks to two fellow U's fans, the 17-year-old from Greater Leys was able to watch his favourite side keep their promotion hopes alive with a 2-0 win.

Now the teenager and friend Declan Taylor, 17, who attempted to make the 550-mile round trip – the longest of the season – in his 1985 classic car to join 2,238 fans at Brunton Park, want to thank the two men called Steve and Callum who gave them a lift in their hour of need.

Mr Tarrant said he became concerned on the A34 near Kidlington when he spotted smoke coming out the back of his car, but managed to make it as far as Preston services before it broke down.

The Buildbase Ltd worker added: "I had to stop at Preston and push it into a parking space.

"We saw two other Oxford fans and asked them if we could get a lift to the game and they said yes.

"We just wanted to thank Steve and Callum who helped us because we was stuck."

The car had broke down due to a build up of oil pressure.

Three different AA vans transported the Mini back to Oxford with the two pals, who arrived home at about 4am.

Mr Tarrant added: "It was a quality game and it was definitely worth making the trip, even though we was out the house for 21 hours by the time we got home."

After the game, Oxford United forward Chris Maguire paid tribute to the remarkable turnout from the club's away support for the crucial victory.

The Scot put the visitors in front with an early penalty, but the game was not safe until Liam Sercombe doubled the lead 17 minutes from time.

While results elsewhere meant the victory was not enough to seal automatic promotion, the U’s know it will be guaranteed with a win on the final day at home to Wycombe Wanderers this Saturday.

And regular visitor to the Kassam Stadium Mr Tarrant said he believed Michael Appleton's side have just enough to be playing League One football next season.