Under-pressure caretaker boss Graham Rix was today beginning the difficult task of trying to lift his Oxford United players for the final push.

Freefalling United have taken just two points out of a possible 15 since Rix took over from suspended manager Ian Atkins.

And for the first time there seems real unrest in the camp, with many players angry that two years' hard work has been sabotaged.

The players have felt dispirited for two or three months that there have been no discussions on new contracts and no real investment in the squad to try to secure promotion.

And although that discontent may have been camouflaged by a new sense of hope when Rix came in, it keeps breaking through to the surface.

The U's were a shambles at Torquay on Easter Monday when they crashed 3-0.

Many fans and some players are questioning the club's determination to go up and their long-term ambitions.

Rix said he felt "very low" after the pitiful Plainmoor performance, but he would get down to work to try to lift morale for this Saturday's long trip to Darlington.

And with four games to go, disgruntled fans almost need to be reminded that Oxford still have a good chance of reaching the play-offs - if Rix can somehow restore belief and spirit.

It is asking a lot, but United's final four games are all against teams near the bottom.

Rix said: "I have to stay positive and lift the boys, but it's very difficult. I have to lead from the front.

"The last two seasons the players have worked really hard and when it comes to the finishing line they're not performing, so maybe questions need to be asked."

United reserves' Pontin's Holidays Combination fixtures at Plymouth yesterday was postponed.