Oxford United 0 Bristol Rovers 2

Oxford United’s winless run was extended to four games as Bristol Rovers continued their recent revival by leaving Grenoble Road with all three points.

Goals from Lee Brown and Eliot Richards proved crucial as the hosts missed chances of their own in a competitive game.

Peter Leven’s injury ruled him out for the foreseeable future during the week, but Lewis Montrose finally returned to make his second Oxford appearance. Alfie Potter was replaced by Tony Capaldi as United changed to a 4-3-3, while Luke O’Brien was replaced by Liam Davis.

The visitors, backed by a large support, started the game on the front foot and could have done more to worry Luke McCormick after Jake Wright’s clearance failed to remove the danger.

The first half was dominated by the midfield battle rather than quality football as both sides struggled to work clear openings.

United’s best opening came when the ball fell to James Constable at the back of the box, but his effort was blocked by Steve Mildenhall.

Justin Richards was injured in a hefty midfield collision and was replaced by Alfie Potter midway through the half. The winger looked to make amends for his misses at Southend when Damian Batt’s cross evaded everybody, but his effort was blocked.

United started the second half brightly but were punished for a defensive lapse as Rovers counter-attacked. Jake Wright was late into a sliding challenge on Ryan Brunt and the referee pointed to the spot. Brown’s first attempt was chalked off, but he slid the retake the same way to give the visitors the lead.

Constable has continued his climb up the historical goalscoring charts in recent weeks and came close to adding another as he flung out a leg to divert Adam Chapman’s superb pass over the bar.

A more presentable chance came about moments later as substitute Josh Parker whipped a fantastic low cross into the six yard box, but Constable could only power the ball over the bar.

United were dominant as their hosts sat back, but that did not mean the battle was any less fierce. Montrose was perhaps fortunate to only see yellow as his high boot made contact with the face of Oliver Norburn.

Chris Wilder’s side were committing numbers into the attack and were always susceptible on the break as a result. The game could have been taken out of reach when Fabian Broghammer broke free but his effort was superbly blocked by McCormick.

Harry Worley was added to the attack as United went for a front four (plus others) and he came close to levelling the scores as he nodded Liam Davis’ cross narrowly wide of the left-hand post.

The near misses were confirmed as crucial in the dying moments when David Clarkson released substitute Richards as United were unable to regroup after the referee awarded a free-kick. Richards remained calm to stroke the ball past McCormick and confirm the victory for his side.

For United, it was another disappointing home result. Rovers were committed, but there was not a great deal that should have scared the hosts. The visitors were organised and hard-working, but should never have been given the lead to cling to. Jake Wright is so often imperious in United’s defence, but will have to hold his hands up to the error that gifted Rovers their first goal.

The first half performance was especially disappointing, despite the damage being inflicted in the second. The play was direct and deliberately so, but that also needs to be matched with quality. The targets were beaten in the air, the long passes weren’t particularly accurate and when the ball was won, the runners weren’t on the same wavelength. The pitch may necessitate direct football, but we will need to become better at it if it is to be anything other than frustrating.

We looked far more effective in the second half when the ball was passed with more quality. We had chances and were punished for our profligacy.

Whether it is a confidence issue linked to missing chances or not, we do not take enough shots. There is a balance between speculative efforts and timidity, but we are on the cautious side of the line.

Referee Andy Madley had a reasonable game. It can frustrate, but I like a referee who is willing to allow a slightly longer advantage. It is a matter of personal opinion, but a referee who understands that an advantage can run longer than one pass is one I can relate to.

It’s been a week of honesty at Oxford United and there may be time for a little more. We have no right to be among the promotion contenders and there is a sizeable improvement needed before we come close to being there.