Oxford United goalkeeper Andy Woodman has denied making a rude gesture to supporters who criticised him for conceding a goal in Saturday's 2-1 win over Kidder- minster.

A small group of fans in the Oxford Mail Stand behind the goal barracked the U's keeper for slipping when Harriers' England Under 20 international Adam Murray fired a 30-yard drive into the top right corner of the net to bring the visitors level just before half-time.

And, according to a fan who contacted the Oxford Mail, when some spectators swore at him moments later as the players came off the pitch at the interval, Woodman reacted by swearing back and making a rude gesture.

However, the U's keeper last night denied the allegation - but did apologise for the slip.

"I totally deny making any gesture to any fans," he said. "I'm gutted by what's gone on, but the only person I was angry with was myself for conceding the goal.

"It was a slip, and there's nothing worse than having your teammates giving you that kind of look when the ball's in the back of the net. It was just unfortunate.

"I apologise to fans if they think that I made any gesture towards them. They've probably mistaken the fact that I was just angry with myself and totally gutted at having slipped."

United manager Ian Atkins took time to study the video of the match yesterday to see if it showed the alleged incident, but it didn't.

He said: "The video doesn't show anything and I'd be very surprised if Woody has made a gesture - he should be bigger than that.

"But at the same time, I'm surprised that some fans feel they can have a go at him when he slipped, and my reaction is one of disbelief, because he's had a magnificent season.

"If that's the kind of reaction he gets from some supporters, it's not going to take us forward.

"Personally, although it was a hell of a strike from Murray, I think Woody would have got to it had he not slipped. But it's not as though he did it purposely. These things happen.

"I saw an awful lot of people who made a gesture at him when the goal went in.

"But I don't condone any of my players making rude gestures at the fans. I've spoken to him and he says he didn't.

Woodman added: "I find it rather strange that we've let in just 21 goals this season and have the best defensive record in the Nationwide League, yet there are still people who want to keep having a pop at us, albeit a small minority. In fact, it's often not even a minority, but just individuals.

"Maybe they've had a bad week at the office and they want to come to our games and let out their anger and frustrations on us."