Oxford United’s players were devastated at losing their unbeaten record at Mansfield – but they are now ready to regroup and start again.

That’s the message from striker Jamie Cook, who was desperately unlucky with two efforts that hit the bar in United’s 2-1 defeat at Field Mill.

“Everyone’s very disappointed to lose that record, the lads in the dressing room are distraught,” he said after the match.

“I’ve only been here for part of it, but since I’ve been here, I’ve realised what a great spirit there is in the team.

“We gave it everything second half, created chances, hit the bar, had near misses – it was just unfortunate we couldn’t get that second goal and get a draw out of it.

“I hit the bar twice and on another day they either hit the bar and go in, or they hit the bar and come back out for someone to tap it in. But it wasn’t our day.

“Mansfield came out on fire, they raised their game massively and we were a bit slow to get going.

“After they got their two goals we took over, but unfortunately they’d got those two goals, so it was a bit late.”

Until this week, Oxford had been the only unbeaten team in the Blue Square Premier, but the disappointment at going down to a first defeat was cushioned by results elsewhere. Stevenage were held 1-1 at home by lowly Grays, while Luton lost 3-0 at Wrexham, so the U’s stay seven points clear at the top.

“The gaffer’s been good, he’s picking us up, we’ve obviously got a long season ahead of us,” Cook said.

“It’s only one game, so we’ve just got to get it out of our systems, get back in training and get ready for Saturday.”

Manager Chris Wilder said: “I’m disappointed the unbeaten record’s gone, but it had to come.

“Nobody likes losing, but there’s a way and a manner to lose, and we’ve gone down fighting and having a real go.

“I’m disappointed because I want to win every game, but it’s gone to a good side.

“These things happen – it’s a nine-month season – it’s how we react and now we need to regroup and get back on with it.”