KARL Robinson said he could not watch Oxford United’s match-winning penalty as a 1-0 victory at home to Gillingham lifted his side out of the relegation zone for the first time.

James Henry’s 59th minute spot-kick proved the difference as the U’s extended their unbeaten run in Sky Bet League One to seven games.

And news of Scunthorpe United’s victory at Bristol Rovers ensured United climbed out of the bottom four.

Robinson had nine players unavailable through injury, suspension and international duty against the Gills, while Ricky Holmes played through the pain barrier with a back problem.

The U’s head coach was delighted with the result, but revealed he waited for the fans’ reaction when Henry stepped up to take the penalty.

“I didn’t watch it,” said Robinson.

“I just know there was an ecstatic roar.

"The most important thing is we can come away from here and the fans can see that one thing we certainly have got is people who really care.

“We’ve had almost three weeks of horrendous injury news and so many things going against us.

“But the players have been men and are fit to wear the shirt and that’s all you can ever ask for as a football fan and a manager.”