Mark Harris honest assessment after Oxford win over Watford

The striker came off the bench with just minutes remaining and won the ball in the visitors’ half before firing emphatically past the Hornets’ goalkeeper.

Harris’ goal secured a massive three points in the U’s quest for Championship survival after Myles Peart-Harris had put the hosts ahead in the first half.

“Huge,” the Wales international emphasised after the game.

“Going off the two games we played over Easter, as a team we thought we should have had six points. We didn’t lose the games – if you can’t win, don’t lose.

Mark Harris fires Oxford United to a 2-0 win over Watford (Image: Oxford United)

“Coming into this game, we knew how much of a big game it was and we’ve gone out there, put a performance and got the three points and that’s what we need at the minute.

“Where we are in the league, last 10 minutes and still 1-0, anything can happen in the Championship, but I thought we defended excellently from the front today.

“Will Lankshear, Jamie Donley, both wide men, all as a team I thought they were excellent.

Myles Peart-Harris wheels away after scoring for Oxford United (Image: Oxford United)

“It was nice to have a game where we were 1-0 up and just keeping them in their half, not just defending all game. To get the second goal was nice because then you can take a breather and see the three points over the line.”

Harris had a lot of time and space on the ball after winning it high up and was able to pick out the bottom corner in style.

He explained: “To be honest, I thought I was a bit too wide, but once I got the second touch on the ball I could just see the goal, so it was just hit it and hope. Get it across the face of goal and hopefully it goes in, and it did so happy days.

READ MORE: Oxford United’s Jack Currie to undergo surgery on ankle

READ MORE: Oxford United beat Watford with 2-0 Championship victory

READ MORE: Brodie Spencer on ‘most important’ period at Oxford United

Mark Harris celebrates scoring against Watford (Image: Oxford United)

“Today was brilliant and I’m buzzing. Hopefully now we can kick on, four more games, get as many points as we can and let’s see where it leaves us.”

The Welshman was also refreshing when asked if Portsmouth’s late winner at Middlesbrough hurt to see.

“I’m not going to lie and say no it doesn’t because it does,” Harris admitted.

“They’re down there with us and we want to be above the bottom three so we’re obviously going to look at results. But it’s down to us to take care of our own job. If we keep winning, we’ll be fine.”

Oxford now sit 22nd in the league, one point from safety.