JACK Stevens felt Oxford United’s excellent win at Sheffield Wednesday showed their progress as a side.

James Henry’s 93rd-minute strike gave the U’s a 2-1 victory on their first league visit to Hillsborough in 30 years, but it was no smash and grab.

The U’s took an early lead through Cameron Brannagan and much of the game was played on their terms, even after Callum Paterson equalised in the 73rd minute.

The verdict: Can you think of a better Oxford United away display in recent years?

Stevens was a target for the home fans’ fury as he took time over goal kicks, but did not mind as United gained their first Sky Bet League One away win of the season.

The 24-year-old said: “We managed the game really well, we didn’t panic when they got the equaliser and kept up our game plan.

“We knew we had the sort of players to win it late on.

“I feel like it’s something we had to improve on as a team, managing out difficult spells in games.

“Personally, it’s something I’ve had to learn.

“Maybe in another game we would’ve conceded another chance straight after, so I feel like we’re learning.”

Stevens brilliantly denied Saido Berahino and Barry Bannan, twice, saving the best until the final seconds when he tipped the Wednesday midfielder’s wicked drive onto the crossbar.

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That came after Henry’s clever finish sparked bedlam in the away end and the goalkeeper felt it was a fitting setting.

“It’s been a bit longer than we wanted to get our first away win and to come to a place like this and get it is brilliant,” Stevens said.

“It was a great moment.

“It’s been a while since we nicked one in added time and to do it here felt so good.

“The away support was brilliant, I could hear them all game.”

Two United players had tested positive for Covid in the build-up, with Mark Sykes also ruled out as the midfielder has not been double-vaccinated.

It saw them arrive at Hillsborough just 45 minutes before kick-off, but Stevens insisted the disruption did not affect them.

He said: “We got here late, but it doesn’t mean a lot.

“We still went into the game with confidence and knew the team we’re putting out can compete with anyone in this league.”