OXFORD United head coach Michael Appleton urged his attacking players to do more after their defeat at home to Wycombe Wanderers.

Danny Hylton’s injury-time penalty miss meant the U’s lost 2-1, with their boss disappointed his side did not create more opportunities before the late penalty.

Substitute James Roberts had their only effort on target in the second half, and Appleton wants to see an improvement.

“A few of the players probably lacked a little bit of responsibility in the final third,” Appleton said.

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“From a defensive point of view, apart from the second goal, I thought we were OK in the main, but we weren’t good enough in the final third from an attacking point of view.”

Oxford’s slow start to the second half proved costly, as Wycombe quickly hit top gear after the restart to score twice and go in front.

Appleton thought the belief in players on both sides was telling.

“I thought we had a mad 15-minute spell just after half-time,” he commented.

“We didn’t dust ourselves down and react well enough to the disappointment of conceding.

“When they got the equaliser they were on the front foot and we had to defend.

“It’s easy to be critical of the players, but when you’re at the top of the league, Wycombe had an extra yard in their legs and that’s what confidence and winning football games does to you.”

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