David Kemp has hit back at fans who gave him a hard time during Saturday's 2-1 derby defeat against Wycombe.

A section of the crowd made their feelings known to the United manager after another defeat left Oxford 13 points off Division 2 safety.

But Kemp urged the supporters to get behind the struggling team rather than criticise them - or him.

"There are so many managers in the crowd that can do better than me," he said.

"I mean it's such an easy job, isn't it? With the crowd's vast experience, I'm sure they could do it.

"But let's be real here, if this job was that easy, we'd all be doing it.

"It seems everyone thinks they can do it better, but what the fans here have got to appreciate is that I am trying to build a football club.

"There is no quick fix. There are young players out on that pitch and they have to learn to start winning matches, which this club hasn't been doing for the last three seasons."

A goal from Chris Hackett put Oxford ahead, but strikes from Mark Rogers and Keith Ryan, ten seconds from full time, sent United crashing to yet another defeat.

Kemp was left scratching his head as defensive frailties again became apparent.

"We conceded two goals from corners. The same man has been unmarked both times and made us pay twice.

"We've done enough to win the game, but one goal isn't enough for us to win matches.

"It seems our answer when we go ahead is to go back towards our goal and when we do that, we start inviting pressure in the wrong areas."

Although a draw would have done little to move United nearer safety, with sides above them winning - including Joe Kinnear's Luton Town - Kemp admits he would have settled for a point.

"We can't get a draw at all at the moment," he groaned. "We haven't drawn a game since I've been here, we either win or lose.

"I'm obviously very disappointed we lost the game, because a draw would at least have been something to build on.

"Don't forget we were playing against a side full of confidence who are in the last 16 of the FA Cup."

Wycombe assistant manager Terry Gibson praised Oxford's fighting spirit, and admitted Kemp's team caused problems.

"Oxford are no way the worst team we have played this year. Even though they are right down there at the bottom, they fought all the way."