Paul Peschisolido admits Burton were fortunate to scrape past non-league Oxford City 3-2 and set up an FA Cup second-round tie at Gillingham.
The Zamaretto Premier Division part-timers appeared to heading for a replay until full-back Ryan Austin grabbed the winner for Albion deep into stoppage time.
"We got out of jail and I'm just delighted that we've got through to the next round," said Peschisolido.
"Oxford were excellent and, although we didn't play well, you've got to give them all the credit in the world. In fact, they were perhaps unlucky not to knock us out nevermind take the tie to a replay.
"A lot of our lads have been on the other end in the past and they knew what to expect, so I don't think it was a case of underestimating the opposition. We just didn't perform well and Oxford were excellent.
"It was a horrible, nerve-wracking and annoying experience because when we pass the ball we're a great side, but it didn't happen for us. We are just pleased to be in the next round because we didn't deserve to be, so we'll just take that as a positive."
