Most important goal - Jackson

Carl Marston

JOHNNIE Jackson described last night's stunning late goal as the “most important” of his career.

Jackson was in dreamland after smashing home an 88th minute volley to earn the U's only their third home win of the season, and their first in 10 Layer Road attempts.

“We had never won a game in which I had scored, so this makes a pleasant change. It was nice to score and be on the winning side for a change,” enthused Jackson.

“It's the most important goal of my career, by a mile. I hit it sweetly, but the keeper guessed the right way and I thought at first that he'd keep it out. It was a relief to see it go in.

“Nothing much happened before the penalty (Scott Vernon goal). We were nervous, but I think that's natural because we all want to be playing in this division again next season.

“We were in control after scoring the penalty, with them going down to 10 men, but Preston had a real go and they put bodies into our box.

“I felt that their equaliser (Neil Mellor) was a bit fortunate. It was unlucky on Dean (Gerken), and I thought that we'd blown it!

“We have been unlucky so many times this season. We haven't helped ourselves at times, by not closing out games, but we managed it this time.

“I think we've been playing better of late, and it's about time that we won at home for our fans. They have stuck by us. They know that we always give our all,” added Jackson.

Scunthorpe's defeat to Bristol City meant that the U's clambered off the bottom. They also cut the deficit between themselves and Preston to just two points.

Jackson continued: “It's a big boost to be off the bottom. At least it's a start.

“We can now look at the teams around us. We've closed the gap on Preston, and we've still got to play all the other teams near us. It's all down to us,” concluded Jackson.