Darren Patterson has urged his Oxford United players to stick together in these difficult times - and not think only about themselves.

The U's boss wants his squad of players to keep their team spirit and ethic, even though two or three of them know they could be moving on in January.

United are going through their worst spell since they dropped out of the Football League two seasons ago, with Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat at Ryman League Tonbridge Angels in an FA Trophy first-round replay arguably their poorest result in half a century.

The team just cannot buy a goal at the moment.

They haven't scored for more than five matches, and this Saturday must visit Aldershot, who are top of the Blue Square Premier, in the fourth round of the Setanta Shield.

Patterson insisted: "We've got to regroup and stick together.

"It's very easy for individuals to stick tin helmets on and look after themselves, and I've asked them not to do that.

"If we all stay together, and regroup, we've got a chance on Saturday to put in a performance and get a result."

Patterson hopes to be able to strengthen the squad by moving players in and out during the January transfer window, but moving players out is often not easy when they are under contract and when the team isn't doing well.

And usually, the only players other clubs want, are those you would like to keep.

Many fans talk about the need for a mass clear-out, but modern-day professional football is not like that. At least, certainly not in mid-season.

Patterson will be discussing with chairman Nick Merry what he would like to do next month, if he can. He says he already has players lined up, who want to come to Oxford.

But he admitted: "It's going to be very difficult, I'm under no illusions. I haven't got a magic wand.

"I'll be having a chat with the chairman in the next couple of days and we'll see what we can do, and we'll do our best.

"All the players have got to stick together, whether they're going to be here or not.

"When you're a professional footballer paid by a club, you give your all, regardless of your situation, and we'll be expecting that from all the players."