WES Burns thought over-confidence played a role in Oxford United’s 2-1 defeat at home to Cheltenham Town.

The loanee from Bristol City headed the U’s ahead in the 20th minute and they went on to gain a firm grip on the Sky Bet League Two game.

But despite playing well, the second goal did not arrive and instead Cheltenham, who had scarcely threatened in the first 40 minutes, scored twice just before half-time.

It stunned United and they were unable to find a way back into the game in the second half.

Latest United news:

And Burns felt the home side only had themselves to blame after taking the game for granted when they were in front.

He said: “In the first half I thought we moved the ball well and dominated possession.

“We did get a bit too confident, we were cruising.

“When you think the game is already won at 1-0 it can come back to bite you on the bum and in the last six minutes of the half it really did.”

He added: “When you concede two goals just before half-time it really does dent confidence.

“To come out in the second half to really try and pick ourselves up and get a result is quite a hard one.”

It was a second home defeat in a row for United and as with their previous setback, a 2-0 loss to Shrewsbury Town on Boxing Day, a section of the support booed the team off at the final whistle.

Burns said: “Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but all that matters is what we do on the pitch.

“I think the lads gave it everything, you can’t fault us for our work ethic, but it’s just one of those games where we didn’t take enough of our chances.”

United lined up in a new 3-4-1-2 formation for the game, with Burns playing in the hole behind James Roberts and Danny Hylton.

The 20-year-old enjoyed what was the first time he had played the role.

He said: “I’ve never played there before so it was a new one for me.

“I thought it worked well in the first half, we absolutely battered them.

“We’ve been practicing in training trying to get into little pockets and run at defences.

“I don’t mind where I play, I just want to get game time under my belt.”

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.