Whing bemoans Oxford United defeat (From Herald Series)

Whing bemoans Oxford United defeat

9:40am Monday 18th March 2013 in United News By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

Deane Smalley slides in and although he manages to knock the ball past Chesterfield keeper Tommy Lee, a defender gets back to clear the danger before Alfie Potter (right) can pounce

ANDY Whing admitted it was a familiar tale for Oxford United as once again they failed to turn dominance into a positive result, writes DAVID PRITCHARD.

The U’s had enough openings to build a comfortable lead by the break, even with Chesterfield taking a fifth-minute lead through Marc Richards.

But somehow the hosts were unable to make the most of their chances and slipped to a 1-0 defeat, which severely dented their play-off hopes.

Unfortunately the pattern of the game did not come as a surprise to Whing, who thinks the U’s have been held back for the last two seasons by similar problems.

He said: “Even last season we had so many games like this. “I keep saying it, but it is very frustrating and the crowd must feel the same way. “We have got to kill teams off when we are on top, especially when we are as dominant as we were in the first half. “That’s pretty much been us for the last year and a half and we’ve got to put teams to bed.”

After gaining the early advantage, Chesterfield looked content to defend in numbers and slow the game down as much as they could.

It irritated the home fans and while Whing sympathised, the midfielder felt the Spireites were not doing anything wrong.

He said: “I thought they were very professional, especially in the second half. “Fair play to them, if that was us doing the smash and grab we would have taken it hands down. “Obviously it’s very disappointing for us.”

Damian Batt did not pull any punches in his assessment of the performance and the full back thought the U’s ultimately got what they deserved.

He said: “We did carve them open, but didn’t take our chances. “If you are not going to defend properly and not take your chances there is only one result – they got it.”