SIMON Eastwood admits the pressure has eased on Oxford United, but the goalkeeper has challenged the side to finish on a high.

Last weekend’s 1-0 win at Doncaster Rovers dramatically changed the picture for the U’s, who had been unable to break free of the relegation battle in Sky Bet League One.

They are now big outsiders to go down and following last night’s results need only a point in Saturday’s final home game with Rochdale to be mathematically safe.

But even if they lose, United will stay up if Oldham Athletic fail to win at home to Doncaster.

Without the victory last Saturday, Karl Robinson’s men might have needed a win against Dale to avoid taking their fight to a nerve-wracking final day of the season at Blackburn Rovers.

Eastwood felt the victory at the Keepmoat Stadium was hugely significant, but is in no mood to ease up now.

He said: “In the changing room afterwards everyone was buzzing.

“We knew how important that game was. We didn’t want to go into the Rochdale game thinking ‘we’ve got to win’.

“I’m sure a lot will happen between now and the end of the season, but with one more point we can take ourselves out of it.

“It’s still mathematically possible to be down there, but you’d fancy your chances with two games left.

“We need to get a positive result against Rochdale. We want to finish on a high. Everybody knows it’s been a poor season.

“But when the manager came in his job was to keep us in the league and build for next season.”

United have been boosted in the last fortnight by two influential players who were thought to be ruled out until the summer.

Skipper Curtis Nelson and winger Rob Hall have been out since November, but came on as substitutes at Doncaster.

Eastwood said: “In my opinion we’ve got the best squad we’ve had all season in the starting XI and on the bench.

“Everyone is fighting to get a chance.”

l SAM Long was on target as Oxford United’s development side won a friendly 3-1 against Exeter City Under 23s at Roman Way.

The defender, who has not featured for the U’s first team this season, has just returned from a loan spell at Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Albie Hopkins also found the net, while the U’s scoring was completed by one of four triallists.