Oxford United upbeat despite Rotherham United loss, says Jamie Mackie

A defence which had not conceded a league goal since August crumbled as a powerful Rotherham United raced into a 3-0 lead by half-time.

The U’s improved after the break on the back of impressive displays from new signings Marcus Browne, who pulled a goal back, and Nathan Holland.

But they still went down 3-1, slipping to fifth place in Sky Bet League One as the Millers moved top on goal difference.

Karl Robinson’s side do not have long to dwell on the defeat, with Ipswich Town visiting tomorrow.

And for Mackie, that is a very good thing.

He said: “We’re disappointed, there’s not much else we can say.

“It’s not what’s got us success so far and got us up the table.

“You don’t win anything with a back four or a front three, it’s all of us together.

“I’m sure we’ll lose again between now and the end of the season, it’s how you deal with it.

“We’re absolutely buzzing we’ve got a game on Tuesday to get back out there.

“It’s one game, we’ve got 20 to go and that one game isn’t going to define our season.

“We won’t let it.”

While it was a bad day at the office for United, the experienced forward also felt their opponents deserved some credit.

He said: “We weren’t playing any mugs.

“They have a bit of everything and are good at what they do. They have a threat going forward.

“In my eyes they’ll be right up there and we believe we’re going to be as well, so we’ve got to bounce back on Tuesday.”

The main positives were provided by the two half-time substitutes, who had only joined on loan 48 hours earlier.

While both had to wait for their chance, the performances changed the game and put them in the frame for a start against Ipswich.

Mackie said: “They’ve only been in a couple of days, but you saw in the second half they’ve got a lot about them.

“Also they have points to prove and that’s a great place to be.

“They’ve freshened it up and in the positions they play you need energy. They’re good signings.”