OXFORD United continued their stellar week with a 2-0 win at Millwall thanks to another Kemar Roofe double, but head coach Michael Appleton rued a missed opportunity to kill the tie altogether.

The forward made it 17 goals for the season in a first half where United’s slick football quickly gained a dominance which saw home fans at The Den turn on their own team.

But the visitors had to ride their luck after the break and needed goalkeeper Benji Buchel to ensure United hold a two-goal cushion going into the second leg at the Kassam Stadium next month.

Appleton, whose side beat Swansea City 3-2 in the Emirates FA Cup on Sunday, sets high standards and the U’s boss felt they could have built an even bigger lead.

He said: “I was disappointed we got deeper in the second half.

“Some of our experienced players should know better than that because it was an opportunity to get three or four goals and really wrap the tie up.

“We asked Benji to make too many saves and I expect a different performance at the Kassam.

“I don’t want to get carried away or sound arrogant, but I have come to expect us to do certain things and when you know what the players are capable of, you want it all the time.

“But we’ve got a 2-0 win and we have to be happy.”

Roofe, who bagged two goals against Swansea, continued his dream week, but there was more fortune with his first goal – a misdirected cross which caught out goalkeeper David Forde.

Appleton said: “That’s what happens when things are going for you – he’s having a hot spell at the minute.”

Alex MacDonald was proud of the way United were able to play Millwall off the park in the first half, although he agreed with Appleton after the break they invited pressure.

He said: “It’s certainly the style we like to play and I thought we imposed it well at times.

“At other times we can do a bit better, but we got the result we wanted.

“We’re pleased, but it’s still only half a job done.”