DARREN Patterson said he was bitterly disa- ppointed after his Oxford United side went down to a 2-1 extra-time defeat in the Setanta Shield third round at Forest Green Rovers last night.

United had battled back from a goal down to level in the second half, only for a wonder strike from Kaid Mohammed to win it for Forest Green, who hadn't won in their previous 11 games.

"I'm disappointed to go out, because we did well to battle back and I thought we deserved to win it,” said Patterson.

"It seems to be a bit of a trend when we have away games, to lose to teams that are on a bit of a bad run.

"I thought we had chances to win the game, but we have to learn to punish people. They did us on the break.

"I thought Eddie Hutch-inson did well, though centre half is not his position."

Patterson also praised Richard Groves who made his debut.

"I thought he did ever so well. With all the injuries we have got, we have had to blood the youngsters," he said.

Patterson is hopeful Adam Murray, who missed the game due to illness would be back on Saturday to face Dorchester, in the FA Cup.

And skipper Joe Burnell is back in contention, having played last night.