LIAM Sercombe declared he is having the time of his footballing life at Oxford United after scoring two late goals in a 3-1 victory at Accrington Stanley.

The midfielder slammed in from close range 11 minutes from time after good work from Jordan Graham, before taking his tally for the season to four goals by converting the first penalty of his career late on.

They came at a critical time for Michael Appleton’s men, who had seen Callum O’Dowda’s first-half strike cancelled out by a deflected shot from Matt Crooks in the 70th minute.

Sercombe was thrilled to make the difference and is feeling the benefit of the attacking freedom United have given him, since ending 13 years at Exeter City in May.

“I’m enjoying my football more than ever, I didn’t think I would as much as I am,” he said.

“I know it’s easy to say because we’re doing so well, but I’ve always wanted to get forward a lot more – at Exeter I wasn’t really allowed to make the box.

“The tap-in was probably the first goal I’ve scored making that run, I’ve always wanted to do that but never really been able to.”

It proved a day of firsts for Sercombe, who had not taken a spot-kick in a competitive game before.

The 25-year-old was given the role after United had failed to score three of their four penalties this season, a record which did cross the midfielder’s mind in the moments before scoring.

He said: “As I put the ball on the spot I did think about it.

“It’s quite nerve-wracking, but I’m confident in my ability and I was glad to see it hit the back of the net.”

The win followed up Tuesday night’s 2-1 victory at York City, after which the U’s squad stayed in the north to cut down on travelling.

And after four nights away, which included training sessions at Preston North End and Bolton Wanderers, Sercombe acknowledged there was a desire to pay back the U’s staff and board.

He said: “You want to get the three points for them for spending the money and making us do it right.

“We stayed in a nice hotel and everything was spot on. We did want to reward them and it tops off a great week.”