Killer U

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Matt Bloomfield believes his cut-throat Oxford United side were 'worthy winners' at Preston North End.

The U's ran out 3-1 winners at Deepdale to secure consecutive wins for the first time in 14 months, with goals from centre back duo Michal Helik and Ciaron Brown and striker Will Lankshear seeing Bloomfield's men to victory.

The win saw Oxford lift themselves out of the Championship bottom three for the first time since December.

"I'm really pleased with the performance," admitted the Yellows head coach.

Oxford United manager Matt Bloomfield (right) and players applaud the fans following victory in the Sky Bet Championship match at Deepdale, Preston (Image: Gary Oakley/PA Wire)

"I thought we played with a real energy, a freshness, enthusiasm tonight.

"We knew we were going to get under pressure at times and have to defend our goal.

"I was a little bit worried at half time that we were going to rue the missed chances so I’m really relieved that we still got the win.

"We were disappointed not to be ahead at half time.

Oxford United's Will Lankshear celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game (Image: Gary Oakley/PA Wire)

"The lads took the opportunities in the second half and were able to see the game out.

"We’ve been talking a lot about consistency and to get back-to-back wins, to get consistent results, you have to perform consistently.

"Tonight was a real team performance and we were clinical in the moments that we needed to be clinical and ultimately, we were worthy winners, I believe."

Oxford United's Stanley Mills (left) attempts a shot towards goal during the Sky Bet Championship match at Deepdale, Preston (Image: Gary Oakley/PA Wire)

After two set-piece goals against West Bromwich Albion last week, Oxford saw two more fall their way again at Deepdale.

"The delivery from Cameron and Jamie has been on the money the last couple of games.

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"We’ve got some decent size about us; I was actually disappointed that we hadn’t scored a few earlier on because we have got some good size and good delivery.

"So, we’re paying some attention to that. We want to win football matches, and we have to use every available opportunity that we can to get the points that we need."

READ MORE: Preston North End 1-3 Oxford United match report at Deepdale

After beating the Baggies prior to the win in Lancashire, the last two results have shown that the U's may just have what it takes to stay up this season.

The victory makes a statement before the rest of the second-tier action this weekend, putting pressure on their rivals.

Preston North End's Milutin Osmajic (left) attempts a headed shot towards goal during the Sky Bet Championship match at Deepdale, Preston (Image: Gary Oakley/PA Wire)

Now in form whilst many of the teams around them stumble, United's quest for survival is well and truly on.

"We need to make sure we’re above that line in May and I believe that we can do that.

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"We’ve got back-to-back wins, we’ve got points on the board, and we’re chasing what we need to chase.

"I believed that from the day I walked through the door but, without results, it’s just words.

"We’ll be fighting for the next eight weeks, and we’ll make sure that we do everything that we possibly can."