MICHAEL Appleton admitted Oxford United were second best where it really mattered as they lost 2-0 at Luton Town.

The Hatters raced ahead in 80 seconds when Luke Wilkinson headed in a free-kick from Jake Howells, who made the game safe midway through the second half when his saved penalty rebounded kindly.

In the hour of action between the goals, United had the lion’s share of possession and efforts on goal.

But an inability to make the spell count, particularly with one gilt-edged chance which Tyrone Barnett headed wide, meant the visitors left empty-handed.

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The result sees Oxford drop back into the Sky Bet League Two relegation zone.

Appleton, United’s head coach, said: “The frustrating thing is for probably 70 minutes we didn’t play poorly, we just didn’t produce.

“Our better players must have got into the final third at least 40 times in good areas where Luton backed off.

“But whether it was a shot, a cross or a pass, it just didn’t happen for us.”

He added: “If you don’t defend your set-plays and then you don’t score the opportunities that get created you don’t win games, it’s as simple as that.”

Appleton acknowledged it was not the first time in his short spell in charge that his patience had been tested.

And he urged everyone in the side to look at themselves and take responsibility for their jobs.

He said: “If you’re a goalscorer and you’re expected to score, go and score goals.

“If you’re a defender, you’re there to defend and make sure we’re first to the ball in our own box.

“Do it, don’t look around, don’t look for an excuse, don’t look at your mate, go and do it yourself.”

Luton, already depleted by a long injury list, had been hit in the build-up to the game by a sickness bug which had swept through the camp.

Assistant manager Terry Harris was delighted it was United who ended the game feeling under the weather and pointed to the penalty as the decisive moment.

He said: “It gave us a bit of breathing space.

“Oxford are a good passing side, but they play in front of you.

“If you can keep your shape and shuffle across all the while they’re playing in front of you they’re not really hurting you.”

He added: “There was one header where Tyrone Barnett should’ve done better, but apart from that we thought we showed great resilience and it was a good end to a tough week.”

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