MICHAEL Appleton saluted the commitment of his Oxford United squad as several players battled injury and illness to keep them on track for automatic promotion.

Anything other than a victory would have seen them drop out of Sky Bet League Two’s top three for the first time since October.

But despite having doubts over five players on Friday, everyone declared themselves fit for a vital 2-0 win over Hartlepool United.

Head coach Appleton said: “We had two players limp out of training and one had an MRI scan, that’s how dangerous it can be this time of the year when you need players fit.

“But they both made themselves available and were in the squad, which was pleasing.

“It was a hairy, scary last 24 hours, but I’ve been used to that for the last two weeks or so.”

The home side led early on through Kemar Roofe’s 26th goal of the season, but although they piled the pressure on for much of the second half, United could not kill off Hartlepool.

The visitors had chances to equalise before relief for the U’s fans finally arrived in the 93rd minute, when Liam Sercombe made it 2-0.

Appleton admitted there were concerns missed opportunities would come back to haunt his side.

He said: “You’re always in that frame of mind.

“You’ve got to make sure you punish teams when you’re on top of games by going and getting that second goal.

“It’s hurt us a few times this season, so I was delighted when Liam put the ball in the back of the net.”

He added: “I thought the first 25 minutes of the second half was as good as we’ve played for a long time.

“I’m delighted with the performance.