Chris Wilder: Oxford ‘scandalous' in Northampton defeat

Oxford United manager Chris Wilder says his side were "scandalous" in their 1-0 defeat by Northampton on Saturday.

Ben Harding struck for the hosts in first-half injury time and Oxford failed to make the breakthrough despite dominating possession and having a host of efforts on goal.

The defeat leaves the Us in 10th place in League Two, six points off the play-off places.

"We didn't deserve to get beaten," Wilder told BBC Oxford.

"In the second half we gave it a good go but in the final third, for the second week running, we've not punished the opposing team.

"We've done a lot of things right but the hardest thing is sticking the ball in the back of the net and yet again we've not done that.

"For the amount of possession we've had and the number of opportunities we've created over the last two matches that's enough to win 10 games, let alone two.

"To not pick up a point and not score a goal is absolutely criminal, scandalous in my view."

Oxford have scored just seven goals in their last eight games and Wilder says his forwards must take more responsibility in the hunt for the play-offs.

He continued: "We've got into ridiculously good positions but it's up to the players to step up to the plate. Players have got to be brave enough to take that on.

"Conditions weren't easy out there so you have to give some leeway to them.

"But I've been saying this not just for the last two or three weeks but over a longer period of time."

And Wilder is realistic about attaining a top-seven finish to the season and says his side will have to win the majority of their remaining six fixtures to achieve their goal.

"We've got to win a load of games, we understand that," he said.

"But we'll go right to the end - to the last minute of the last game of the season."