OXFORD United boss Ian Atkins accused some of his players of a lack of individual discipline as his team began Easter badly with a 2-1 home defeat by Hartlepool.

The U's, who have made a habit this season of starting poorly and having to play catch-up football, again had to try to come from behind after 'Pool raced into a two-goal lead in 23 minutes.

Atkins was unhappy that some players abandoned their responsibility to maintain the team's shape by going for glory in the early stages of the match, and leaving the defence exposed.

"It was disappointing to lose today, but after the first 20 minutes I've got no qualms about our performance," Atkins said after- wards.

"We had a little 20-minute spell at the start which basically cost us.

"The mentality of the people has got to change if we are to achieve, otherwise we'll drift off next year into another mid-table mediocrity, and that's not going to happen while I'm here. "We've got to change the mentality of the players so they keep their discipline and shape. If they don't do it, they won't be in the side.

"We have these 20-minute spells. We shoot ourselves in the foot so many times, we're our own problem at the moment, and it's running through the football club. Supporters may not see it, but I see it because I train with them.

"I don't want losers here, I want winners," he added.

"Even given that Hart- lepool started brightly, you can't just go out and play football the way you want to play, you've got to play within a team framework and be organised.

"The crossing and quality of ball from the right could have been a little bit better at times. We created chance after chance but got done by that little 20-minute spell.

"After we went 2-0 down, we were excellent. Then we started to keep our shape better and our discipline, had a hell of a lot of the ball, and created a lot of chances. We didn't put them in but we had given ourselves a mountain to climb. "We don't give the lads at the back much protection at times.

"We had that same kind of 15-20 minute spell at Carlisle last week and when we give teams chances, they punish us. After that, we were excellent and I thought it was one of our best home performances of the season."

United's goal came from Paul Moody, who looked to be back to his best after being troubled by back problems.

"I thought Moody had one of his better games, and Hackett and Brooks played well as well," said Atkins.

New signing Dave Waterman had an unspectacular game in midfield on his debut.

"That's the kind of player he is," Atkins said. "He's not a creative player, but what he did do in the first 20 minutes was keep his shape and got the ball back for us."