Frustration mounts for Gary Rowett as poor run continiues for Oxford United

Oxford United boss Gary Rowett has revealed his frustration after seeing his side win just one of their last 11 games, their latest setback coming against Middlesbrough in a 2-1 defeat.

The loss was made all the more frustrating by the fact the U’s had looked worthy of a first-half lead secured by Michal Helik’s opener.

The visitors had already had two fantastic chances to take the lead, but Przcmyscaw Placheta was denied by goalkeeper Mark Travers, and Matty Phillips scuffed an effort wide of the back post from close range.

But Kelechi Iheanacho levelled before Neto Borges netted the winner for Boro.

Frustration

And Rowett admitted that made this defeat even harder to swallow.

“It was frustrating – we knew it would be a hard game, against a free-flowing team with good forward players regardless of the injuries they have had the back,” he said.

“I thought we had three incredibly big chances as well, and when you don’t take them, it leaves you a little vulnerable.

“At half-time, we had to make a change to our back five, which is never ideal.

“Sometimes you lose that tiny bit of synergy, but to concede a goal after two minutes of the second half, in the manner we did, is a difficult moment.

“What you can’t do is concede two goals to two low crosses and leave someone free in the box, and that is the frustration; we should be able to deal with those.”