DANNY Hylton admitted he was lucky to avoid a red card for a moment of madness against Mansfield Town.

Oxford United’s top-scorer made it 15 goals for his season from the penalty spot to secure a 3-0 win at the Kassam Stadium.

But the forward’s afternoon almost soured when, already on a booking, he handled the ball in a challenge with Stags goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley.

Hylton, who was substituted seconds later, struggled to explain his actions.

He said: “I thought I was going to get there to head it over the keeper and I just couldn’t stop myself.

“It sounds stupid, but sometimes you see people get booked for it.

“Straight away I knew it was silly.

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“It was a bit fortunate, but I didn’t think my first booking deserved it, I caught him, but I had no idea he was there.

“But over the course of the season I’ve been booked when I don’t think I should have, so it evens itself out.”

United’s No 10 has taken the side’s penalties all season, but needed to stand his ground after Alex MacDonald, who had scored the first two goals, offered to take the spot-kick.

The discussion was brief, though, especially given Hylton had scored just once in his ten previous appearances.

He said: “Macca was entitled to ask, he was on a hat-trick, but I just said ‘I need a goal’.

“Skipper (Jake Wright) and a few of the other lads came over and said ‘you’re the penalty-taker, you take it’.

“It’s a great feeling, there’s nothing better than winning.”