CHRIS Wilder bemoaned a lack of quality in the final third as Oxford United lost 2-0 at Rochdale last night.

The visitors had the majority of efforts on goal, but lacked the sort of cutting edge which was so apparent in Saturday’s 5-0 win against Accrington Stanley.

Alfie Potter missed the clearest opening in the 25th minute, but the winger, who scored at the weekend, rolled a shot past the post from close range.

Wilder was bitterly disappointed United were unable to convert what for long periods was an accomplished display into points.

The result leaves the U’s 18th in the npower League Two table, five points off the bottom two and five points off the play-off places.

The United boss said: “We got done on the break with a great cross and a great header – if we had put anything like that quality of cross in for the numerous times we were in those positions then we would have easily gone away as winners.

“I thought it was an above average performance against a decent side who will be looking to be in the mix for promotion.

“We dominated a lot of the game, but we can’t afford to miss chances like Alfie’s – he was five yards out.

“The final touch was missing and if we had had that we would have won, without a shadow of a doubt.

“It’s a disappointing result, but not a disappointing performance.”

Defender Johnny Mullins agreed and felt the result did little to reflect the balance of play.

He said: “I’m really gutted because I thought we did enough to win.

“When you look at the score it appears a comfortable home win, but that clearly wasn’t the case.”

The U’s manager also revealed he had been forced into a late change of personnel, with Lee Cox taken ill on the journey up to Lancashire.

The on-loan midfielder, who was due to start, was sent home on a train to recover and will be assessed today.