OXFORD United will work on converting counter-attacks in training after Michael Appleton was frustrated by squandered chances at Carlisle United.

Goals from Chris Maguire and Liam Sercombe won the game, but the visitors had enough opportunities on the break in the opening half-hour to seal the points.

Instead, United had to survive a couple of tense moments before the second goal arrived 17 minutes from time.

Appleton was delighted to get the win which kept them in Sky Bet League Two’s automatic promotion places with one game remaining.

But the U’s head coach knows there is room for improvement ahead of Saturday’s clash with Wycombe.

He said: “I was a bit frustrated at half-time. The amount of opportunities we had on the counter-attack it was frustrating to only be one up.

“That will be something we’ll work on this week, just making sure when we get three-on-twos we try and make sure we’re a bit more clinical.”

For the second game in succession Maguire stood out in a high-pressure situation.

After a slow start to his U's career, the forward is showing why Appleton has signed him twice this season.

The United boss said: “When he first came in I think people probably thought his body language is as if he doesn’t care or isn’t working hard enough.

“I think that’s just the way he is in terms of he’s very relaxed and composed on the ball.”

Again United’s afternoon was complicated by injury worries.

Kemar Roofe’s ankle problem kept him out, while Joe Skarz, making his 400th career appearance, came off at half-time a week after returning from a groin injury.

“Joe’s not great,” Appleton said.

“He literally seized up with ten minutes to go before half-time. He felt really sore and couldn’t get much movement.”