WES Thomas and Chris Maguire struck late to give Oxford United their first away win of the Sky Bet League One season.

In a game where both sides struggled for quality in front of goal, Thomas came up with a great finish on the volley from Alex MacDonald’s cross nine minutes from time.

It was reward for head coach Michael Appleton’s attacking intent, with the striker coming on for midfielder Joe Rothwell in the second half.

Maguire made the game safe in the 90th minute, tapping in when Kane Hemmings’s shot was parried.

Ultimately it was a result which United earned through resolute defence and then an ability to find an extra gear in the final 20 minutes – earning a first win at Bolton Wanderers for 40 years.

It also lifted them into the division's top ten for the first time this season.

The only alteration in the visitors’ squad from the midweek defeat at Southend United saw Dan Crowley replace the injured Ryan Ledson on the bench.

But for a moment it looked like the unchanged side would last only three minutes as Simon Eastwood’s head collided with Joe Skarz.

Fortunately the goalkeeper, who was clearly groggy, was able to continue.

It came amid a tricky start as United were penned in by a Bolton side desperate to produce a reaction after losing at neighbours Rochdale on Tuesday night.

The U’s, though, had the early chances.

Liam Sercombe chipped a shot on to the roof of the net, before the best opportunity of the opening exchanges fell to Maguire.

After a promising build-up, Marvin Johnson got to the byline and crossed for the Scot, whose flick with the outside of his right boot from eight yards was saved by goalkeeper Mark Howard.

United's fans paid tribute in the 20th minute to supporter Lewis Mangan, who died this week aged 20, chanting "he's one of our own".

They had also taken part in the applause three minutes earlier for Ivan Klasnic, the former Wanderers forward who is in hospital with kidney failure.

Bolton looked a handful, especially with James Henry playing in the hole behind the front two of Zach Clough and Gary Madine.

United’s defending was stretched at times, but they stood firm.

When Clough beat the offside trap on 28 minutes, Skarz raced back to get a touch which took it away from the striker and into Eastwood’s arms.

Bolton’s finishing helped keep the game scoreless – Henry shooting over when he should have done better from Clough’s cutback.

As the half wore on the home fans, who had not seen a win since August, became increasingly anxious about the scoreline.

There were a few boos at the half-time whistle, but the discontent would have been much more vocal without a Howard save deep into stoppage time.

United finished the half well and almost nicked a goal when Maguire’s free-kick fell to Kane Hemmings, whose snap shot was clawed out one-handed by the goalkeeper.

Oxford Mail:

  • Chris Maguire flicks a shot goalwards in the first half

The stalemate continued after the break, with neither side able to carve out a clear chance.

United, who replaced Johnson with Alex MacDonald at the interval, made an attacking change just after the hour when Thomas came on for Rothwell.

Bolton responded with a triple change which freshened up their front line.

When the game settled down again, United decisively took a grip on it.

A neat move 15 minutes from time sent Sercombe through out wide. Hemmings was free in the middle, but when the cross came his way the striker’s shot was weak.

United heads were in hands again a minute later, this time when MacDonald lashed a shot from ten yards which looked destined for the far corner, only for Howard’s fingertips to divert it wide.

The pressure was growing – and nine minutes from time Bolton buckled.

MacDonald, whose energy had lifted the visitors, swung in a superb cross which was volleyed in at the back post by Thomas.

Bolton were forced to push forward in search of an equaliser and United took full advantage in the 90th minute.

The visitors pressed their opponents backwards and Hemmings robbed Dean Moxey to go clear.

His shot was saved by Howard, but Maguire was there to slam in the rebound from ten yards.

It all came in front of the away fans, who celebrated wildly with the players - knowing the three points were in the bag.

Bolton Wand: Howard, Vela, Wheater, Beevers, Moxey, Trotter, Spearing, Henry (Anderson 68), A Taylor, Clough (Ameobi 68), Madine (Proctor 68).

Unused subs: Alnwick, Thorpe, Wilson, Osede.

Oxford Utd: Eastwood, Edwards, Raglan, Dunkley, Skarz, Rothwell (Thomas 64), Lundstram, Sercombe, Johnson (MacDonald HT), Maguire, Hemmings.

Unused subs: Buchel, Long, Ruffels, Crowley, Taylor.

Referee: Mark Haywood (West Yorkshire).

Attendance: 14,207 (1,383 visitors).