Oxford United chairman Darryl Eales wants another five wins this season as he seeks momentum to take into the next campaign.

A 1-0 win at Bury on Saturday substantially eased United’s relegation concerns, opening an eight-point gap to the bottom two in Sky Bet League Two.

The side need three wins from the remaining 11 games to realistically secure their Football League status.

Eales is well aware there is work still to do, but was in no mood to see the club limp over the line to safety when asked about the importance of the run-in.

“I think it’s absolutely critical,” he said.

Latest United news:

“Momentum is fundamental in all walks of life, football included.

“If we finish well we go into the summer and when the players come back from their break we’re buzzing and start well.

“We’re not out of the woods yet, no-one is saying we are, but it would be wonderful if we could just finish the season with five or six wins that carries us into the summer.”

The victory at Gigg Lane was a highlight in a season which has stubbornly refused to take off.

It has been a baptism of fire for Eales, who staged a takeover last July.

“The really difficult thing is there is such a lot of good things going on at the club off the pitch, but you do feel a bit dragged down sometimes by the disappointment,” he said.

“The big difference is I wasn’t expecting to be in the lower reaches of the division, so you’re having to deal with quite a lot of pressures and the disappointment of fans.

“It is quite tough because you’re sharing that disappointment, but your reaction has got to be slightly different.”

Much of the frustration from supporters over United’s lack of progress has been aimed at head coach Michael Appleton.

Eales agreed with those critical of the high turnover of players, but the U’s chief remains supportive of Appleton.

He said: “The one thing it has reminded me that being a manager is the most difficult job in sport.

“I think he’s handled it superbly and is a consummate professional.

“One or two people say he’s not emotional enough, but I can tell you when I have a chat with him in the manager’s room he is as emotional as anyone else.”