IT was perhaps a little too hopeful to expect Oxford United to break their duck against Sky Bet League One’s pace-setters at Hull City.
The U’s have now failed to beat any of the eight teams above them in 13 attempts and their 2-0 defeat at the KCOM Stadium showed why.
United were not outclassed by a side who are now six points clear at the summit, but did not have that clinical edge that separates the best from the rest.
They were arguably the better team before the break, comfortable in possession with Dan Agyei's pace and power worrying the Hull defence.
But Keane Lewis-Potter’s classy opener midway through the half forced the U’s to chase the game.
That is never a recipe for success, especially against such a well-balanced side who are so dangerous on the counter-attack.
It left United open and allowed Lewis-Potter, who was the best player on the pitch, the space to run into for his second goal 19 minutes from time.
That secured the points for Hull, but the threat from the injury-hit U’s had already faded, partly due to a lack of options from the bench.
Karl Robinson’s side remain ninth, with the gap to the play-offs still just four points, and their main aim now must be to hang in there until their treatment room clears.
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