Julian Alsop scored a dramatic winner four minutes into injury time as Oxford United maintained their promotion push with an undeserved 2-1 victory over gutsy Leyton Orient.
The striker showed a surprising turn of pace to capitalise on a Justin Miller mistake and neatly sink the ball over Lee Harrison and into the net to seal what looked like an unlikely victory.
Oxford, who have been among the title challengers all season, were outplayed for a lot of the match by an Orient side who belied their lowly position in the Division Three table.
A disjointed opening saw both sides struggle to create chances, but it was the visitors who took the lead when a neat cross found the head of Gaby Zakauni at the far post and although his effort was destined for the back of the net, striker Gary Alexander got the final touch on the line.
However, the lead lasted just eight minutes when Oxford striker Steve Basham was fouled in the box by Zakauni and skipper Andy Crosby slotted home the equaliser from the penalty spot.
Basham and defender Scott McNiven both saw shots blocked on the line and at the other end a textbook free-kick from Orient skipper Matthew Lockwood smashed against the underside of the bar and fortunately for Oxford was scrambled away.
After the break, Orient stayed in the ascendancy and went close through Alexander and David Hunt, twice.
But they were made to pay for their missed chances when a long ball from Matthew Bound deceived Miller to allow Alsop a poacher's goal with just 20 seconds remaining on the clock.
Oxford manager Ian Atkins agreed that his side had got out of jail: "We were very bitty and there was not a lot of cohesion.
"They were better than us in the first half especially, but to be fair to our lads they kept going and it shows you the spirit and endeavour we have here." Orient boss Martin Ling added: "It was a killer blow as I thought we had weathered the storm.
"We had two good chances and didn't take them and were made to pay right at the death.
"We thoroughly deserved a point and although Oxford may be second in the League, if I am honest on this performance there was not a lot between the teams."