Oxford United's Cup dreams came true yesterday as they beat arch rivals Swindon and then drew Premiership leaders Arsenal in the next round of the FA Cup.

Oxford fans celebrate after the victory

Police also gave the thumbs-up to a sensational day after reporting almost no trouble between rival fans in and around the Kassam Stadium at the derby game.

A single goal gave United victory in the second round FA Cup tie, watched by a sell-out crowd and milions of TV viewers nationwide.

Barely 15 minutes after the final whistle, the team and fans' delight increased when United were drawn against Arsenal, the Premiership leaders and reigning champions, and FA Cup holders.

United chairman Firoz Kassam, who was an Arsenal fan before taking over at Oxford, could not hide his delight.

"This is a dream come true for me and everyone connected with the club," he said. "Not only to win the match and get the draw we did, but for the crowd to behave themselves as well, that was very important for me.

"Three years ago, we would not have even have dreamed of playing Arsenal, but it's the draw that I wanted and I can't believe it."

Home fans roared with delight when Jefferson Louis scored in the 65th minute, a lead United protected until the final whistle.

Despite the long-standing rivalry between the two clubs and their fans, Supt David McWhirter, who was in command of 150 police officers, said he was "delighted" with the way the day went.

Mounted officers and dog teams were out in force at the stadium and the city's railway station in case of trouble.