Some of Oxford United’s fringe players failed to grab their chance, boss Chris Wilder said in the aftermath of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat at Aldershot.

It was a much-changed team, to give several of those who have mainly been subs a starting role.

But the U’s went down 2-0 after squandering two good early chances.

And it leaves them without a goal in their last four games, which they will be aiming to put right against Morecame in a League Two match at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday.

“We left a few out, changed a few around, and possibly some have not taken the chance that was on offer for them tonight,” Wilder said after the match.

“And these are opportunities that you sometimes have to take.”

Ironically, Aldershot manager Kevin Dillon said that although he too had made several changes, and the new faces had done well, they wouldn’t get their chance despite that!

“We’re unbeaten in the league, so I don’t see any reason to change it,” he said. The respective managers’ comments show how thin the dividing line is between success and failure.

Aldershot are unbeaten, but have just one win and three draws from four league games. Oxford, on the other hand, have also had three draws, but one defeat and no win makes it seem as though their start to the season has been poor.

The U’s players coming in for a rare start at the EBB Stadium were Mark Creighton, Richie Baker, Simon Clist, Mitchell Cole and Alfie Potter, while new loan signing Josh Payne made his debut. Sam Deering came off the bench in the second half.

Wilder is frustrated that chances are not being put away.

“It’s a massive part of the game, and a massive part of why we are not winning games at the moment,” he said. “We are not converting chances.”

On Payne and new striker Tom Craddock joining the club, he said: “We’ve got good competition in midfield. I know a lot about Josh. He’ll have to get used to how we go about it, but he’s a young player with a very good pedigree.

“I’ve watched Tom Craddock on numerous occasions when he was at Middlesbrough, when he was a young boy coming through.

“Yes, he comes with the pressure of having to score goals, but his record’s a good one.”