Martin Allen was impressed by his team’s first half performance against Oxford United today, but feels that the visitors’ early second half goal changed the game in their favour. 

Speaking after the match, Martin said:

“It certainly was a game of two halves. 

“I thought that we were excellent in the first half – we had a couple of good chances and their keeper made a couple of good saves. 

“I thought that we played really well.

“But in the second half Oxford came out and expressed themselves and got back into the game.

“I was disappointed to concede that goal just after half time. 

“Of course the game then opened up a little bit, and we all known how dangerous some of their players are.

“We still tried to attack and to get a goal back – I always feel that if we can get one back then we can go on and get another one. 

“But it wasn’t to be today. 

“We’ve beaten Portsmouth, drawn with Accrington, and beaten Bristol Rovers and Plymouth who are up there. 

“And in the first half today, let’s be honest, Oxford couldn’t get out of their own half. 

“We kept them around their 18 yard box, but I must admit that they did look dangerous on the counter attack.

“Overall, I thought that the players gave a very good account of themselves, and kept going right until the end.

“We still kept pushing to get another goal back, but today it wasn’t to be. 

“I think that everybody had a real go. 

“I’m always proud of the players, with their attitude and commitment. 

“We didn’t get the goal that I think we deserved in the first half, and we paid the price for that in the second half.

“We can’t go up, we can’t go down, so I’ll have a good think over the next few days about what we’re going to do next weekend. 

“Maybe we can give out some debuts to some of our young lads.”