MATTY Taylor saluted a performance which saw Oxford United click back into gear as AFC Wimbledon were smashed 5-0 at the Kassam Stadium.

The striker scored the first and last goals of the rout – United’s biggest home win since October 2012, when Accrington Stanley were beaten by the same scoreline.

Nathan Holland added a brace, while James Henry was also on target.

Read also: Oxford United 5, AFC Wimbledon 0

It was a tonic for the U’s, who had won just one of their previous eight games to slip adrift of the Sky Bet League One play-off race.

The thrashing cut the gap to five points, but just as importantly the side looked to have played their way back into confidence.

Taylor said: “It looked like we were back to our old selves. We had a rhythm to our game and it was almost a perfect game really.

“We looked dangerous and we could have had a few more, which wouldn’t have flattered us.

“We’re delighted, I’d have taken a scruffy 1-0 win, but we’ll take the 5-0 as well.

“We won’t give up, we’ll keep fighting.

“We’re a little distance behind the play-offs now, but there’s a lot of points to play for and we’ll just worry about our ourselves. We’ll keep pushing right to the end.”

The night began with the news skipper John Mousinho was ruled out for at least four weeks with a twisted knee.

And as chances came and went it might have become a frustrating evening, so boss Karl Robinson was delighted a positive atmosphere allowed his side to thrive.

He said: “After 25 minutes I was thinking ‘oh no’, but I don’t think the fans realise how much they made a difference.

“It could have turned but nobody became impatient, which allowed us to still do the right things.”

Robinson added: “To play like that after so many games, it’s incredible.”