JAMES Roberts admits it was a weekend dreams are made of after bagging two first-half goals on his full Oxford United debut.

The 18-year-old striker, who 24 hours earlier had signed a new four-year contract with the U’s, produced a sensational display to help his side to a 3-1 victory at Grimsby Town in their FA Cup first round tie.

Danny Rose scored the third six minutes into the second half, but it was Roberts whose name was being chanted by the hardy band of 193 travelling supporters.

Having come on in the previous five games, head coach Michael Appleton said the striker had deserved his starting role, and he certainly took it with both hands.

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“That was something special,” Roberts beamed.

“That’s the Cup I used to watch as a kid with my family sat on the sofa.

“To be a part of it is big. To then score one goal is massive, but two – that’s just beyond my wildest dreams.

“I suppose it could only have been better if I had scored a hat-trick, but I am not going to criticise myself over that and I’m certainly not complaining.”

His goals were very different. The opening strike a fine solo effort and the second was all about being at the right place at the right time.

“The first was a winger’s goal, one that I would expect Callum (O’Dowda) or Alfie (Potter) to score,” he said.

“We had a look at Grimsby and went through their weaknesses, and one of those was when you get at them.

“I just thought I’d run at the defender because there wasn’t a lot else on, and cut onto my stronger right foot and had a go and thankfully it nestled in the bottom corner.

“For the second, I am always getting harried to get in the box more. I did that and it paid off – I might do it a bit more often now.”

Both efforts came at the opposite end to the Oxford fans, but Roberts did his best to share his delight with them in what had been an unbelievable 24 hours.

“It was a shame the goals weren’t in front of them, but I ran to halfway to be nearer them to celebrate,” he said.

“At least the third goal was at their end, so we could thank them for coming all this way.

“My family were here today, and they had travelled across the country to support me, so it was great to repay them for everything that they have done for me over the years.

“I’ve had a great week and I’m just buzzing.”

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