DANNY Hylton thought Oxford United’s ‘ugly’ win at Hartlepool United was another sign of their potential to not just win automatic promotion, but the Sky Bet League Two title.

The 26-year-old came off the bench to bag a 1-0 win for the U’s, which sent them top of the table on goal difference for the first time in almost two years.

Michael Appleton’s side were on the back foot for long spells in the game but, just like the 1-0 victory at Dagenham & Redbridge a week earlier, United battled to stay in the game before producing a spark of quality to find the winner.

If they go on to have a successful campaign, Hylton will look back on both results as crucial.

He said:”Definitely, you can get carried away when we beat Stevenage 5-1, but the best results are ones like this and Dagenham.

“Games like that I believe are where you win the league.

“You do have to be ‘on it’ every game and if you’re not then sometimes you have to win ugly.

“We managed to do that, but credit to Hartlepool. I thought they played really well, especially in the first half.”

Hylton won the game 20 minutes from time with a terrific first-time finish from Alex MacDonald’s cross.

It was his sixth goal of the season, but only his second since August.

And the reception he got from one Pools fan while warming up at the break made the winner all the sweeter for United’s No 10.

He said: “At half-time the ball went over there and like a typical fan he threw the ball away and swore at me.

“When I scored it just clicked in my mind and I thought I’d go over and give him a smile.

“He wasn’t too happy, but the main thing is we won the game.”

“We’ve got players who can put the ball on a plate and give you opportunities.

“I’m just thankful Macca did that and I was happy to score.”

Hylton had fully recovered from the stomach cramps which forced him off in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Newport County.

But he had to make do with a place on the bench at Victoria Park after Chris Maguire signed on loan from Rotherham United.

Last season’s top scorer said: “I’ve seen his name on the scoresheet enough to know he’s a good player.

“I think it sends a little message out when we attract players like that.

“I found myself out of the team and I was really disappointed, but that’s the competition there is here.

“You have to be on top of your game every day.”