ELLIOTT Moore admitted Oxford United got what they deserved as Lincoln City took the points at Sincil Bank.

Sixteen places separated the sides at kick-off, but the hosts looked like the promotion-chasers as they ran out 2-0 winners.

United’s frustration was compounded by Cameron Brannagan’s first-half injury and a late red card to Herbie Kane, which could mean the latter misses the next three matches.

The verdict: Oxford United will hope miserable afternoon does minimal damage

On a day when the U’s could have climbed to third in Sky Bet League One, Moore admitted they had to be better.

“It was very disappointing,” the captain said.

“In the first half we made it hard for ourselves, we weren’t the team we’ve seen in the past few weeks and we got punished for it.

“In the second half we gave it a good go and put them under pressure.

“The second goal and the red card killed the game.

“We’ve got a lot to work on for the next few games.”

United did not get going before the break and went behind to Anthony Scully’s 40th-minute strike, with Brannagan sustaining a muscle injury in the build-up to the goal.

Lincoln debutant Morgan Whittaker doubled the lead early in the second half, with Kane sent off 13 minutes from time for what was perceived to be a high tackle.

It was the first card handed out by referee Seb Stockbridge all afternoon and, in the moment, Moore felt it was a harsh decision.

The centre back said: “I spoke to the ref about it, it’s his opinion that matters and I can’t really change that.

“I was a bit disappointed in the red card, we’ll have to watch it back but on the pitch it didn’t look like a red.”

After full-time, U’s head coach Karl Robinson called for a swift resolution to talks with those players who are out of contract this summer.

Moore is one of nine members of United’s first-team squad whose terms expire at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old would not say too much about the state of talks, but insisted his focus is on the pitch.

He said: “I’m just playing my football, I’m trying to do the best I can.

“What happens is something for us to sort out with the club.

“I’m trying to get this team where it deserves, which is playing Championship football.

“I’m settled, so I love it here and I’m just working hard to get the club promoted.”