Turley's delight at goals

7:59pm Sunday 27th April 2008

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Billy Turley says it has made such a difference to Oxford United that, in the past dozen games, they have had strikers who have done their bit.

After another dazzling show from Yemi Odubade, and two more goals from Matt Green helped United end the season with a 3-1 win at Ebbsfleet, the U's goalkeeper was in buoyant mood - even though he had been in some pain from a rib injury during the game.

"It was the perfect start," he said. "We scored in a minute, but we've got that goal threat now.

"That's been the difference the last 12 games . . . the centre forwards have come to the party.

"It's all about scoring goals. We're very good defensively, we know that, but in the last 12 games we've had a real goal threat as well. It's just a shame it couldn't have come 25 games ago.

"It's the first time we've had a consistent bunch of lads, we've had the same people playing, so credit to the gaffer for that."

United's fifth successive victory meant they ended the season in ninth place in the Blue Square Premier, ten points off the play-offs after their late charge which has seen them collect 27 points from the last 33.

Turley himself was in some discomfort because of injury, which was why he asked Matt day to take the goal kicks in the second half.

He said: "I had an MRI scan on my injured shoulder on Thursday. But it wasn't my shoulder, it was my ribs - I pulled a muscle underneath my ribcage and I haven't been able to train since Tuesday.

"The physio has been absolutely brilliant with me. I had an injection from their doctor before the game.

"I took the first three goal kicks, but it went on the third one, that's why I couldn't take the goal kicks any more.

"I'd just like to say thank-you to the physio, he patched me up and got me on the pitch today. But yes, I was in a lot of pain.

"I'm just keeping my fingers crossed for Luke (Foster) now.

"He just wrapped his leg around it and the knee went. Sometimes you can think it's the worst and it's not so bad - that's what I'm hoping because he's been absolutely fantastic all season.

"Touch wood he'll be all right because he's our player of the year . . . but I thought I should have won one of his awards!"

U's boss Darren Patterson paid tribute to Turley's courage after he pulled off some great saves in the second half, despite his injury.

"Nobody needs to tell me what I think of him," Patterson said.

"He made a couple of ricks in one part of the season, which was unchacteristic for him, and you just see his character.

"He's the type of character we need in this football club and that's why I've given him a two-year deal."