STARS from Oxford United's 1986 Milk Cup-winning team admitted it was like they had never been apart.

Many of the heroes who beat Queens Park Rangers 3-0 returned to the club on Saturday to mark the 30th anniversary of their famous Wembley success.

For some, it was the first time they had been reunited since their top-flight days in the mid-80s.

"It's just amazing because you see people who you haven't spoken to for such a long time and instantly there's that old connection there," said Jeremy Charles, one of the goalscorers in the final.

Almost 400 supporters joined the class of 86 for a special lunch at the Kassam Stadium before the 2-0 victory over Hartlepool United in Sky Bet League Two.

Although a few of the team were unable to return – Malcolm Shotton, Ray Houghton, John Aldridge, Dave Langan and Kevin Brock the key absentees – 11 of the squad were in attendance, as well as the son and widow of Maurice Evans, the manager on that day.

Billy Hamilton did not play in the final because of injury, but was a key player in the squad.

He flew in from Belfast for the occasion and admitted when asked to return, he did not have to think twice.

"I have quickly got over the jet lag and am delighted to be here," he joked.

"A Wembley final is not a match to be involved in if you are not 100 per cent fit, and whilst I was working hard to try and recover, it wasn't to be.

"But this club and that team mean everything to me.

"The camaraderie in the squad was the best I have ever known, and there was so much quality in the squad it was frightening."

He added: "It was one of the most one-sided finals ever at Wembley.

"If we were not such a small club we would have been given far more credit than we were.

"It's amazing to be back here and the reception we got was incredible."