CAMERON Brannagan cut a frustrated figure after Oxford United slumped to a third loss in four league games.

The midfielder had the chance to give United the lead against Wycombe Wanderers but saw his first half penalty saved by Max Stryjek.

Defeat to the Chairboys sees the U’s hover above the Sky Bet League One relegation zone on goal difference.

Brannagan said: “I feel like putting my head through the wall but that’s football and it is what it is.

“I’m annoyed at the penalty because I’m better than that, but the keeper dived the right way and saved it.

“I’m frustrated because I back myself as much as anybody else.

“We had one of them days, we had 20-odd shots and it’s not gone in the net.

“I get people are frustrated, I totally get it.

“But you’ve also got to understand we’ve given everything on the pitch, and on another day, we probably get the result.

“Everyone’s hurting in the changing room, it’s frustrating, but what can we do? It’s done and we look forward to next Saturday.”

Oxford Mail: Cameron Brannagan sees his penalty saved. Picture: David FlemingCameron Brannagan sees his penalty saved. Picture: David Fleming

United have been perennially slow starters in recent seasons but still made the play-offs in two of the past three campaigns.

Brannagan joined the club in January 2018, with survival in the third tier only ensured in the latter stage of the campaign.

“We’ve not started this season great but you’ve got to stick with us,” said United’s No 8.

“When I first came, I remember we were fighting for relegation and we’ve come a long way since then, and people forget that.

“We’ve set our standards very high, we’re devastated in there.

“We don’t want to hear boos, I get people are frustrated and we want to win just as much as them.

“It kills us as players because we hate losing games, and we can only put it right next Saturday.

“We’ve just got to be positive and stick together as a team no matter what.”

READ MORE: Karl Robinson admits results not good enough after Wycombe loss

After 29 shots – but only five on target – against Wycombe, Brannagan remains confident that results will improve when he and his teammates finish off their chances.

“On another day, we win 6-1, we’ve had that many chances,” he said.

“You look at previous results, they’ve not been great but how many times have we seen this, where we don’t start great and then pick up.

“We’re just missing that cutting edge and it’s going to come at some stage, and the tide will change.

“That’ll be it then, we’ll go on a run like we always do.

“The boys in there give 100 per cent in training every week, no-one ever messes around and we’re always on it.”