Oxford United were beaten at home for the first time this season, slipping to sixth in the Sky Bet League 1 table after a 2-1 defeat at home to Port Vale.
United ended the game with just nine men after Mark Harris and Greg Leigh both saw red, leaving Boss Liam Manning to reflect on a result that ended a four game winning streak.
“It was extremely frustrating” he told iFollow. “I thought it was similar to last week for much of the game and we had really good control of the game and looked like we wanted to look, minus the finish at the end of it.
“I can’t question the intensity, the bravery or the work ethic. I thought we showed tremendous spirit but you can’t lose another man straight after a red card. Some of that frustration comes from decisions that went against us but first and foremost I think we have to reflect on ourselves and the behaviours have to be better.
“I said to the players that if we want to do well then teams are going to come here and try to frustrate you, wind you up and force you into things. What you can’t do is respond. It takes discipline, it takes consistency and togetherness to make sure you don’t give the other team anything. Unfortunately we did in the second half today.
“We’ve got another game on Tuesday now, and that gives an opportunity for other people to come in and grab their chance. I keep talking about the competition and depth and that’s what it is there for. If people give up their slot then it’s a great opportunity for someone to come in and grab it.”
See extended highlights in iFollow where you can also see the whole game LIVE from 7pm on Tuesday night as the U’s travel to Northampton in the EFL Trophy.
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