We needed an early goal, says Oxford United defender Michael Raynes (From Herald Series)

We needed an early goal, says Oxford United defender Michael Raynes

9:40am Monday 25th February 2013 in Football By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

OXFORD United’s players are well aware of frustration from supporters, but they are trying to do the right things, according to Michael Raynes, writes DAVID PRITCHARD.

There was disappointment again on Saturday, as the U’s failed to break down a stubborn York City side, who earned a goalless draw.

It extended the side’s indifferent record at the Kassam Stadium, where the home fans have cheered just six wins from 16 league games all season.

A few boos greeted the final whistle and Raynes acknowledged the dissatisfaction from supporters, although the defender reiterated how difficult it was to play on a poor pitch.

“I know people get frustrated, we hear it,” he said.

“We want to do the right things, we wish we could all play like Barcelona every week and pop the ball around, but you can’t do it on here.

“We’re trying to get the ball forward early and get a goal, but we couldn’t break them down.

“If we got one, the floodgates would have opened because they would have had to come out.

“I don’t think it was a bad performance, we tried to do it right, but it just didn’t happen.”

United’s main problem was a lack of quality in the final third, on an afternoon where clear-cut chances were at a premium.

At the other end, Raynes and the rest of the defence had few problems in keeping a second successive clean sheet.

But the 25-year-old admitted the Minstermen were far more content with the result.

He said: “They set their stall out and are happier with a point, obviously – we’re at home and need to be winning games.

“But if you look at the bigger picture we’ve taken four points from two games after winning at Plymouth last week (1-0) and then taking a point at home on a horrible wicket.”

He added: “I think it’s a good team clean sheet.

“The conditions out there were dreadful and it’s not going to go down as the prettiest game of football in the world.”

• OXFORD United have been drawn against Banbury United in the semi-finals of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup.

North Leigh or Thame will face Oxford City in the other clash, with both games to be played on neutral grounds.