MICHAEL Appleton rued lapses in concentration which cost Oxford United dearly as they crashed to defeat against Cheltenham Town.

For the U’s head coach, the 2-1 loss was arguably the most frustrating of their Sky Bet League Two season.

A goal ahead thanks to a fine header from Wes Burns, the home side had Cheltenham on the rack as United sprayed the ball around confidently.

But instead of building on their the lead, the hosts stumbled just before the break and conceded twice in six minutes.

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It took United’s league losses this season into double figures and Appleton thought given the way the game appeared to be going, it was possibly the hardest to take.

He said: “It’s probably the most frustrating one.

“It’s a game that after half an hour you’re thinking we’re going to go on and win handsomely.”

He added: “When you’re at your best that’s when you’ve got to almost put the game to bed.

“You’ve got one goal, go and get a second and a third and then make it very difficult for the opposition to get back into the game.”

While Jack Dunn’s equaliser was a combination of a fortunate first touch and classy finish, United will not want to see the second goal again.

They fell asleep at a corner, allowing Cheltenham to set up Kevin Stewart to fire home from the edge of the penalty area.

Appleton said: “You’ve got to keep your concentration.

“That let us down just before half-time and players have got to be brave enough to make sure those things don’t happen on a regular basis.”

United had 45 minutes to find a way back into the game and went on to enjoy plenty of possession in the visitors’ half after the break.

But despite Appleton urging for calm from the touchline, they were hurried on the ball.

He said: “We huffed and puffed in the second half and I think sometimes we were trying to do things too quickly, probably from being a bit anxious from being a goal down.

“I said to them I can’t fault your commitment and effort, that was all there to see, but it was almost as if they were trying too hard and players were taking an extra touch.”

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