Oxford United need to keep it simple - Whing (From Herald Series)

Oxford United need to keep it simple - Whing

9:30am Friday 15th February 2013 in United News By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

Upbeat: Andy Whing

ANDY Whing says the answer to Oxford United’s confidence problems lies in players going back to basics.

A lack of conviction at both ends has cost the U’s dearly in a winless run of five games.

They are in need of a boost ahead of tomorrow’s visit to Plymouth Argyle, but Whing, who will again be included in the squad as he returns to full fitness, thinks the issue can only be solved by working hard and not over-complicating the game.

He said: “Confidence is a massive thing in football.

“If you’re on a decent run you have a spring in your step before the game, and maybe if it’s low you’re not really wanting the ball too much.

“You can only get yourselves out of it on the training ground, maybe you have to go back to basics and do things simply on a Saturday.

“You’ll get your rewards from working hard.”

While missed chances up front have gained most of the attention during the poor run of results, lapses in concentration at the back have also not helped.

The U’s have kept only two clean sheets in their last 14 npower League Two games and both Fleetwood’s goals in their 2-1 win at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday came from throw-ins.

Whing, who has not featured for the first-team since injuring an ankle on December 1, stressed it was vital to get it right in both penalty areas.

He said: “Obviously we’re frustrated we’re not scoring goals, but if that’s not happening you have to keep it tight at the other end and make sure in the last couple of games you get two 0-0s out of it.

“We’re not just blasting the strikers, everyone has to do their own jobs.

“If we keep plugging away, our fortune will change.”