Defender Kevin Sandwith described yesterday’s defeat against Northwich Victoria which finally ended their slim hopes of reaching the play-offs as a ‘massive disappointment’.

“Even though the results did not go for us, it’s still a massive shame not to finish the season on a high,” said Sandwith who joined United from now-relegated Weymouth, where he was skipper in February.

“Northwich have been down for ages and it was a good game for them to play. We were always trying to get back into the game and they got us on the counter-attack. We found it a bit of a struggle.

“We knew there was going to be a big crowd and to see all those fans when we came on to the pitch at the start give us a big lift. But we never got going.

“We weren’t as bright as we normally are and didn’t start very well. We had a few chances, but the final ball was just lacking a bit of quality.

“It’s always disappointing to see fans running on to the pitch.

“We had just scored and it did upset our momentum a bit. We could have done without the big hold up where their manager tried to take their players back to their dressing room.

“But looking at the game overall, I think that disappointment will fade in the summer and hopefully we can come back stronger next season.”

Sandwith said he was hoping to stay with the U’s for the new campaign to help them reach their target of getting out of the Blue Square Premier.

“I have been here two months and it’s been an absolute pleasure to play for Oxford United.

“I signed to the end of this season, but I would like to stay here permanently.

“All being well, something wil be sorted out sooner rather than later and I can help get the club back in the football league.

“There is a great fan base and the gaffer (Chris Wilder) and Mickey (Lewis) are great footballing people to work for.

“There is a great set of lads here and I think a lot of them will stay for next season.

“It’s easy to get down about losing the game, but I think you have to take the positives.

“Since Chris (Wilder) first came here, we have kicked on and it is to his credit that we even had a sniff of getting in the play-offs.”