KANE Hemmings was thrilled to bag another important goal for Oxford United in 2017 as he came off the bench to head an 88th-minute winner against Milton Keynes Dons.

The striker steered in Rob Hall’s cross for the only goal of the afternoon, which extended the U’s winning streak to five games.

Hemmings’s early efforts for the club came in defeats, but since the turn of the year he has struck decisive goals against Rotherham United and Scunthorpe United, plus the opener against Newcastle United.

The top-scorer, who has netted 14 times for the U’s, said: “I’m delighted to get another goal and it was an important one.

“It’s been a long time coming really, but it’s nice to see the goals racking up at the minute.

“I don’t score many headers, it’s something I need to add to my locker.

“Hopefully I can keep doing what I’m doing.”

Hemmings had to make do with a place among the substitutes for the game, with head coach Michael Appleton keeping faith with the starting XI from the 2-1 success at Swindon Town in the previous game.

The former Dundee frontman played against Kidlington in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup on Wednesday, scoring a hat-trick in the 5-1 win.

While it was not the game the 24-year-old wanted to start, Hemmings hoped his displays sent a message.

He said: “You go into those games trying to get out what you can and make sure you’re ready if called upon in big games like this. I scored a hat-trick but that was irrelevant really, it’s about getting the minutes and making sure you’re ready for the weekend.

“No-one likes being on the bench, everyone wants to play every game.

“But it’s a team game and I’d like to think the gaffer knows he can call upon me when he needs to – and if I’m on the bench I’ll be ready.”

A crowd of more than 9,000 watched the game, which was designated as Fans’ Day, and Appleton was very grateful for the backing.

He said: “Hopefully the people who were here will tell their mates that we have a pretty decent side and if you come along hopefully we’ll be able to entertain you.”