MICHAEL Appleton was thrilled to see Oxford United fulfil his plan to get out of Sky Bet League Two playing attractive football as they clinched second place on the final day of the season.

Chey Dunkley, Chris Maguire and Callum O’Dowda struck in the second half to earn a 3-0 win against Wycombe Wanderers at a packed Kassam Stadium.

It rounded off a spectacular season in which the U’s scored 107 goals and won 32 games.

Appleton admitted the achievement was made extra special in the manner his side had played this season.

United’s head coach said: “It was an emotional moment for a lot of people, but it was great.

“It’s difficult to explain because you put so much effort in over the season and I think it was doubly satisfying because of the trip we had to Wembley in the JPT and the run in the FA Cup.

“There were a lot of people who said you can’t get out of this league playing decent football.

“I’d go so far as to say we can.

“We have proved a lot of people wrong this year, a few not too far away, so that’s quite satisfying.”

And despite finishing 13 points behind the champions, Appleton feels United were the best team in the division across the season.

He said: “I think we have been the best team in the division with our efforts in with the FA Cup and JPT.

“Obviously that will cheese off a few Northampton fans, what they have done this year has been fantastic and credit to them, but I genuinely believe what the players have achieved over 60 games has been magnificent.”

The U’s boss reserved special praise for two groups of people connected to the club – his players and the supporters.

He said: “We have a really good group of players – not just ability-wise, but personalities too.

“And the fans have been absolutely unbelievable.

“We took 34,000 to Wembley, they have got behind us when we’ve had difficult periods and away from home the numbers we have taken have been incredible.”

Chairman Darryl Eales added: “Michael and myself are well down the road in terms of planning for next season already and what a conversation that is to be having.”